#bring the fear to me. some of my favorite memories are watching lightning strikes | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

katsukikitten · 4 years

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A/N look if you didnt even tear up. All I'm saying is I didnt do my job right.

Part 1 ××× Part 2 ×× Part 3

Bakugou sits at the long table in the dining room in his usual spot, Mei and Haru nod his way as others begin to file in.

The children look a tad older than usual as they sit a bit straighter this year, Uncle Sozen seems to have aged over night as he sits to Bakugou's left. He offers a wide smile to which Bakugou returns.

"DADDY!! DADDY!" A shrill voice rings out, little feet slapping harshly against the hard wood as a little girl slams down into his lap. Ash blonde hair dutifully braided but coming loose from all of the horse play skillfully climbs onto his legs.

She looks up at him with wide eyes that mirror your eye color. His heart melts as he smooths down some of her hair.

"Where's your brother?" He asks softly before a young boy comes rushing in. Feet falling hard enough to shake the dishes at the table. Your hair and his burning ember eyes greet him with a shit eating grin.

Neither could be older than six or seven.

"Told you I'd find you!" He brings up a bright palm to slap his older sister only for his wrist to be grabbed by you. Leveling him with a glare the child shrinks away. Trying to hide behind both his sister and father. Bakugou looks up at you, your fierce gaze, your glowing features and swollen belly. His heart melts, pooling in his stomach and threatening to dip lower still. He swallows thickly adding his own sharp voice to the mix.

"Sit and behave." The children cling to Uncle Sozen or Aunt Mai. Climbing into their laps eager to be spoiled once more. Summer crickets echo into the dining hall before they are drowned out by both the thunder of the approaching summer storm and the roar of the dining table.

Dinner goes on without a hitch. Happy conversation as Sobo takes it all in. She sits stick straight, her once silver hair long since turned moon white and adorned in her normal plain kimono. When dinner is over, everyone begins to clear the table, excited for tomorrow's birthday and celebration that is bound to take place. Bakugou goes to what has become his normal duty, standing by Sobo to help her up and back to her study. He knows she wants to see the moon flowers bloom.

He is gentle with her now fragile stature, never able to forget how easily she wielded an old weapon on his first dinner at this estate. The thought makes him smile as they enter her study. He settles her onto her cushion, about to leave to finish clearing the table. But she doesn't let go so Bakugou sinks into the cushion beside her, the summer storm faded as quickly as it came and as the clouds clear the closed tight buds slowly begin to unravel, mirrored moonlight nestled on delicate petals. Silence envelops the two as they stare at the beautiful metaphor that is the moon flower. Her grip tightens on his strong bicep.

"Thank you for humoring this old woman." Sobo breaks the silence causing scarlet eyes to slide to his elder.

Except she no longer looks old, instead she looks young. As she did in the picture with All Might. Hair as dark as night and adorned in her crane kimono. Bakugou swallows thickly.

"I'm glad you've made up your mind, mago."She smiles, squeezing tighter and somehow this feels more like a good bye than anything else.

He doesn't like the feeling, he goes to open his mouth to ask what she means but lightning suddenly strikes outside.

The thunder comes as the sound of the sliding door to your room. Bakugou lifts a palm glowing hot as an ember aimed at the figure who dared to enter in the early hours of the morning.

Mei stands in the doorway disheveled as you slowly rise, you hold eye contact with Mei's watery eyes and just…know.

You jump to your feet, throwing off the blanket as you rummage in your bag for any sort of clothing. Mismatched as you shove your body in the fabric as you head for the door. Sprinting down the hall as if called on a mission. Bakugou rises, noticing Mei's tear stained cheeks, questions are plastered all over his tired features.

"Its...Sobo…" A hiccup leaves Mei's frame reminding Bakugou just how small and young she was, "She's...she's."

"I'm glad you made up your mind, mago."

It clicks as her voice echoes in his head from the dream, soles of his feet burning as he runs aimlessly through the estate until he finally finds where people are gathered.

There was not a single dry eye as he huffs.

"Where's…" He asks but Aunt Mai just points, clinging to Uncle Sozen who seems to be frozen in time. Bakugou slowly walks towards you as you sit with wide eyes. Clasping onto Sobo's cool hands.

When he sinks down next to you is when he realizes that you're shaking.

He fights his gut, to reach out for you, to pull him to you so you can cry to your heart's content but instead you look to great Oba.

"I'll help sort her things. Please allow me a shower first." You say monotone, eyes glazed over and Bakugou isn't sure which would be worse. You unfeeling and cold or you crying until you were sick.

Either way his heart was sure to split in two. Your eyes come back to Sobo. You lean in close, pressing a soft kiss to her fast cooling cheek.

"I'm sorry we lied. Bakugou is barely my roommate Sobo." You whisper so lowly that even Katuski strains to hear you.

You rise, trying to walk calmly out of the room. Telling yourself over and over that this was just a mission or worse yet just a nightmare and to allow yourself to feel an ounce of fear or grief would be your downfall.

"Its all Uncle Shoji's fault! If he hadn't come and riled Sobo up or hadn't made that damned drug Sozen would have felt her vitals weaken." Haru yells, tears falling in fat droplets as he slides a forearm over his face. You snap then, yelling as you reach for the first thing you can grab, a book that you hurl at your cousin as you scream.

"SHE HAD AN ARRYTHMIA! WE CAN'T BLAME SHOJI FOR ALL OF OUR FAMILY'S FUCK UPS."

The book hits Haku square in his face, a letter flutters from the yellowed pages before it slams onto the ground.

All eyes watch the letter that's addressed in big bold letters.

To my family.

Eagerly you swoop for the letter, snatching onto the parchment and last tangible thing from your grandmother. You rise to your feet, eyes frantic as you look around the room.

Bakugou knows that face, you're about to make a bad decision and before he can stop you you've set a harsh pace to follow.

He rises and gives chase as does half of the younger generation. But none of them can keep up.

No one but Bakugou, which you had expected.

It would be more than easy enough to lose him in this house.

Or maybe it wouldn't be so easy. With each turn he comes closer but you can't be caught yet.

Whatever it is your grandmother has to say you know you have to read it first, but most importantly, alone.

You want the chance to say goodbye and to grieve in private.

You plan to lose him in the secret room in your grandmother's study rushing into it with just enough time to disappear.

But suddenly you cannot, too overwhelmed by the sight of her favorite little room, decorated with all of her accomplishments but more importantly her family. Memories over lapping one another as you stand frozen. Bakugou bursts into the room, skin popping with heated explosions as he grabs for you. Grip gentle on your wrist.

"We should go back." His voice is feather soft, as if he's scared you'll break and it makes you angry.

It makes you sad.

Because he's right, you will break. Now there was no one to look forward to seeing in your favorite season, no one to celebrate summer with.

No one to lose horribly at Go to, no one to teach you the art of a deal and no one to explain the beauty in the world no matter how small and insignificant it seemed.

Fat tears fall down your face as you cry like you never have before. Like you hadn't since you were a child. A small whine comes from your throat that has Bakugou's heart imploding, his brows furrowed as he reaches for your other wrist. Trying so hard to support you without making you feel weak. You push yourself into him, clutching at his shirt as his burning sugar and firework smell tingles your nose, summer incarnate. He wraps his arms around you tightly, pushing you closer to him in an attempt to hold you together as best he can as you fall apart in his arms.

"What are we gon..gonna do Katsuki?" You sob, shoving your face deeper into his chest, "H..How are we gon..gonna live without Sobo?"

Bakugou's eyes sting from your defeat, staring out into the background as he thinks of anything he can say or do to help you, all he draws is a blank. He was the worst at shit like this!

Movement catches his eye, a crane flies across the sky, his eyes fall to that damn plant noticing one final bloom persisting through the harsh morning sun.

"We aren't." He says, thinking of his dream, "She's always with us."

His words bring you comfort, resolve forcing your back stick straight as you look him in the face. That odd magnetism between the two of you returns. Licking your lips you do the unthinkable, following your gut as you stand on your tippy toes to softly press your lips to his.

"Thank you." A whisper, before stepping past him to face your family head on.

The ash blonde stands in the study for a moment, reliving the feeling of your lips against his. Of the electricity that surged through his body harder than any shot Denki had ever taken at him before.

The tips of his fingers brush over his lips, the bloom finally closing and he feels as if he sees a smile.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

He returns just in time to see the family all gathered around, you having finally settled the bunch. Breaking the wax seal of the letter. Eyes rimmed red, the ink blurring beneath your gaze but you needed to be okay, you needed to be strong. Someone was meant to read the letter outloud and today that someone was you.

“To my loving family, if you’ve found this letter then I know what you all are going through. But I do not want you to shed tears over this little old woman. I have lived a long and wonderful life. Blessed with each of my children, and their children’s children. I want you all to celebrate my life and more importantly celebrate our family. As this is all we have and should treasure above all else. Life is hard enough as it is on our own so we must not forget where we come from and who truly supports our love and our dreams. Surely there is no pain worse than hunger and loneliness, so eat with each other often to ease your troubles. One day Shoji will come back into our lives and I may not be around when that happens but when he does please welcome him back with open arms as we all can lose our way from time to time. Let him join you all at the dinner table and help him to remember what family, what our family, is all about. Make sure that he eats as I am sure he will be hungry and I know he will be lonely. Help him ease his pains, help guide him back onto the right path in life. I end this letter to remind you all how much I care and love for each and every one of you. Good things will come as does the crane that flies over the bloomed lotus.

With all of my love, forever and for always I give to you,

Sobo.”

Silence settles over the large estate with nothing more than sniffles and sobs echoing down the hall. Bakugou places his hand on your back, surprisingly having a hard time keeping his own eyes from watering.

In such a short time he had made a friend, he made family.

His skin burns through your shirt as tears fall from your cheeks, like a movie star. Eyes clouded, nose a bit red but eyes set hard.

"Sobo was right. Family is all we have and we can all become misguided. I…." You look to the blonde, squaring your shoulders, "I lied. Bakugou is not my fiance. He isn't even my boyfriend. I lied for Sobo, thinking that this would make her happy. But now…now we must make things right."

You pull an outdated iPhone from your pocket.

"I found it after Shoji left. Maybe we can contact him and when he comes back…" Your voice is hard and yet threatening to crack all at once. Eyes roaming over your large family.

"We will eat." Great Oba says, "Ladies, if you would prepare the food for celebration. I will retire to her study and call friends and family. We will lay Sobo to rest when the sun sleeps and the moon rises."

Everyone nods, wiping tears and comforting their children as they move to their duty. You give Bakugou a sympathetic look before rushing off to call uncle Shoji.

Bakugou suddenly finds himself a bit aimless once again before the sharp bite of a matriarch's voice rings out.

"Bakugou, you will come with me." Great Oba turns while Katsuki follows without question.

A certain item weight extra heavy in his pants pocket.

×&×&×&×&×&×&×&×&×&×&×&×&×&×&×&

"Fuck!" Shoji growls for the thousandth time, unable to pack his things and leave the near by hotel. Finally he rises forcing himself to gather various items that he has half a mind to leave.

Fresh tears pricking his eyes as he wishes that old bag would just….would just fucking love him. He knows he's the black sheep, the unwanted baby but still.

He still is trying to live up to the image Sobo had of him. His phone rings and he answers it with a snobbish attitude, crying long gone from his voice.

"What do you know, Princess figured out my random passcode. I knew you were smart but why are you so damn persistent I'm not coming bac… "

"Just shut the fuck up." You cut him off, sounding like Sobo with your harsh tone but you with your cussing. He runs his hands through his hair.

"Sobi is gone Shoji. You need to come back. You need to say goodbye."

"She...she what?! That old hag is immortal."

"Watch your tongue." A startled chilll runs down his spine before you add your own flair to Sobo's best threat, "Or I will have to watch it for you by taking it for myself."

"And before you start your bullshit pity party we want you here. We need you here. You're family. You need to eat with us. Laugh with us…" Your voice threatens to crack, "Cry with us Shoji. Find your way back home….please."

Nothingness stretches on between the two of you before you sigh. Hoping he will prove you and everyone else wrong. That he is not a lost cause.

"We lie her to rest tonight. Under the watch of the full moon near the lake."

You hang up the phone, crushing it in your hand by accident as salt water streams down your face.

×&×&×&×&×&×&×&×&×&×&×&×&×&×&×&

The hot head has never found himself in so many uncomfortable and vulnerable spots during this trip than he has in his entire lifetime.

He sits across from Great Oba-san who really only wanted him around to keep any eye on him. A war rages in himself, over the game of Go, over his dream and more so over these new blossoming feelings he has for you.

Was this going to be worth a few bowls of spicy ramen?

He fucking thought not. Sobo's voice echoes in his head as the small object burns a hole in his pocket.

Better to return it now before they think him a thief.

He withdrawals the stunning single set diamond ring that is surrounded by a ring of off tiny circular onyx. The diamond the moon suspended in the dark night of the onyx.

A breathtaking piece truly, he sets it atop the paper work Great Oba is sorting. Her facial expression seems to change in slow motion as it adjusts to her rapidly changing emotions.

"How did you…?"

"I couldnt sleep and she called me in to hustle me over a game of Go. She said she knew that she...that we lied." Bakugou continues to tell her about the game and dream. All the while Oba stares with wide eyes, fixated on the ring waiting for him to finish. Her face sets hard, her eyes a mixture of emotion.

"Bakugou, you know what you must do." As if it's a mission, a task. He thinks he must leave immediately. He goes to stand.

"No. Sit." Controlled rage, pushing the ring back towards the young man, "You must propose now. No one has had Sobo's full blessing like this before."

He stares at her hard, shocked even before he growls out.

"We aren't even dating!"

"In my time, in Sobo's time we didn't know our husbands name until we were wed." She continues to sort, filing things away avoiding taking the ring. He sucks his teeth, dumbfounded.

"We dont even like each other!" His forearms pop with his mouth and temper. Great Oba rolls her eyed.

"That's debatable. I've never seen someone so quick to break down her walls before. Besides only a man would have stayed during this family crises. A boy would have left on the first night." Bakugou mulls it over, the dream, was it just that or had he really pictured himself here. In this house.

In this estate year after year as it ebbs and flows of faces with your family.

Here with you?

His heart races and slows all at once, his palms sweat as his feet tingle to move. He inhales deeply trying to collect his thoughts and calm his thoughts.

"What if she says no?" His main worry, his only worry now being rejection. Still unsure if this is his future but it was true if given the opportunity to lay down his life to ensure yours he would do it.

No hesitation, no doubt to keep you smiling. To ensure you become your own matriarch to protect this house and Sobo's spirit.

"She wont say no. That ring isn't just any ring. That ring was passed down from our mother and from her mother." She swallows thickly, the thought of most her family having now passed pangs her heart but Oba must go on with big shoes to fill.

Her elder sister a force of nature.

Suddenly Bakugou stands, rage mixed in his scarlet eyes.

"Then it ain't fucking right for me to have this! I can't have this!"

"But. You. Will." Her tongue a knife. Ripping him to ribbons and all he can see is another version of you. Another strong willed woman, another force to be reckoned with.

"Besides, I know she will not. Once she sees that ring she will know. Sobo was a great judge of character despite being quirkless. I heard my son Sozen tell the story but only partially. My sister's husband was a great man who sadly was inflicted with a disease, Alzheimer's hit him hard in his old age. And an in home nurse took advantage of that. She looked much like s younger version it my sister, taking him to casinos and pretending to be his wife. She spent the family fortune, she thought a child would secure her wealth but she had tapped the well dry. When she realized that, she left Shoji on the front step, dirty and naked as if he were garbage."

Bakugou slumps back onto the amethyst cushion from the weight of the story, still worry is written all along his face. Great Oba sighs.

"At the end of the day, it is my niece's choice and if she says no at least you can say you tried. You honored Sobo's wish with an attempt and she'd be more than happy with that." Great Oba smiles and he can see a ghost of Sobo's wide, wild smile in her.

He swallows thickly, gently grabbing the ring. He turns it over and over in his hands.

This was crazy.

This was stupid.

This was crazy fucking stupid.

But maybe his fate in love was meant to be crazy fucking stupid.

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grither55 · 3 years

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The Princess and the Peasant - (An Azula Epic) - Chapter 54 - Recovery

The birds were chirping when she opened her eyes.

And the sun was shining in from an open window.

In the distance she could also hear the sound of a loud horn going off.

She slowly opened her amber eyes only to find herself gazing down at bandages covering her chest and her head resting on a soft pillow.

“What…” Elle trailed off with her amber eyes blinking in puzzlement while she groaned in her bed.

As soon as she spoke, she heard the sound of movement on the other side of the room.

That was when the drowsy girl turned to the side only to gaze on in shock to find herself staring up at Azula looming over her beside.

The princess stood above her with her golden eyes agape in a strange emotion while she smiled up at the older female.

“Ohayō Gozaimasu Azula-sama! At least I think its morning! Azula-sama?” The blonde-haired girl cried out only to blink in surprise when the much taller woman suddenly plopped down beside her.

“Elle…” Azula trailed off with her golden eyes taking on a subdued tint while she gently touched the girl’s smiling cheek.

“Yes master? Did I sleep in? Am I late to bring you your morning coffee?” Elle pondered in an adorably confused voice while Azula stared down at her with a graceful smile slowly appearing on her red lips.

And then she blushed when Azula suddenly seized her in her muscular arms.

The teenager smiled in innocent bewilderment while the much taller woman smashed her face into her pillowy breasts.

And then she lay there with a deep blush on her cheeks while the princess lay down beside her.

The royal woman grasped a hold of her face while she shyly peered up into dominant golden eyes that softened only for her.

“Oh peasant.” The princess spoke in an unusually relieved voice while she held her young girlfriend against her robed breasts.

“Is something wrong Azula-sama?” The blonde-haired girl questioned in a confounded voice with her gentle eyes gazing up into confused golden eyes.

“You don’t remember?” Azula answered with her regal lips creasing into a frown while she drew Elle’s smaller body into her toned arms.

“No. I don’t. The last thing I remember…is that I was sick…and hungry…you were taking me to find food.” Elle admitted with an abashed countenance just as her belly growled while she listened to Azula snort in amusement over her.

“How typical of you tiger monkey. So simple minded.” The princess sighed in a strangely fond voice as her head fell back on a pillow while she set her handmaid’s head down beside hers.

“Did something happen Azula-sama?” The blonde-haired girl asked in an uncertain voice as she gazed directly into her caretaker’s golden eyes while the monarch’s lips pursed into a thin line.

“I almost…” Azula muttered with a prideful scowl on her lips while she brushed her fingernails against her naïve handmaid’s confused cheek.

“Yes?” Elle replied with a patient smile while Azula turned to scowl at the opposing wall.

“Foolish girl! You almost died! That filthy rebel put a knife in your chest!” The princess snapped with her teeth ground together while her tired handmaid sunk back into the pillow.

The small girl lay in the bed while she held a hand to her dazed cheek just as the memories began to come back to her.

Now you know how it feels to lose the one you love!

“Oh. Now it’s coming back to me.” The blonde-haired girl mumbled with waning cheer while the tall woman began to pull her in until they were touching cheek to cheek.

“That was six days ago…just an hour ago a royal barge spotted us on the shoreline. And now we are finally getting off this wretched island.” Azula remarked with her red lips curling into a refined smile once more while she held Elle’s face against her own.

All she could think about was how happy she was to know that her little girlfriend was going to be okay.

Her favorite handmaid…her girl.

“S-six days ago? S-sumimasen Azula-sama. I have been out for quite some time.” Elle stuttered with an innocent smile while she turned an adorable shade of pink when Azula pressed her nose into her cheek.

“Don’t worry your little mind over it Elle. It’s over now.” The princess assured with a heavy sigh following soon after while she clutched her pretty handmaid against her cheek.

“As you say Azula-sama…always as you say.” The blonde-haired girl murmured as she closed her eyes while she felt the royal woman’s breath exhale upon her skin.

“That’s my girl.” Azula commented as her fingernail traced along the smaller girl’s cheek while she stared at her handmaid’s lovely face with a possessive golden gaze.

‘Yes indeed. It is over.’ The princess thought with her lips briefly entrenching in yet another wrathful glower while she recalled the bastard’s dying screams.

In the aftermath of the skirmish it was a chaotic scene.

Team Azula knelt in despair over the prone young girl.

Each one of them waited in suspense while the nurse hurriedly listened for a heartbeat.

“I-is she?” Ty Lee whispered in an anguished voice with tears straining her cheeks while she drowned out the shouts of the vengeful man.

Mai sat on her knees in silence while her guilt-ridden tawny gaze never left Elle’s motionless face.

It’s all her fault!

‘I was supposed to protect her!’ The markswoman thought with a horrified fist still clenching in her lap.

“Well! Speak!” Azula roared in an unusually fraught voice while she sat trembling in rage with her golden eyes already contemplating all of the horrors that she would inflict on the bastard rebel.

“S-she’s alive princess! She just went into shock! I need something to stop the bleeding! Hurry!” Shii shouted in panicked voice while all three highborn women exchanged a look of tremendous relief.

And even Zoe found that she was pleased to hear it.

All of the others stood on the sidelines while the hateful rebel struggled with multiple soldiers restraining his arms.

And Nako shakily gazed around the bloodied battlefield with shuddering golden eyes.

She couldn’t wait to get off this damn island!

Without even giving it a second thought Zoe removed her shirt and threw it in Azula’s astonished hand.

She gave her leader a quick nod while the princess briefly returned the gesture before they rapidly wrapped the clothe around the small girl’s chest.

It tightened tightly while the two noblewomen stared down at the innocent girl’s pale face with tears in their eyes.

“S-she’s alive Azula! She’s going to be okay!” The brown-haired woman blurted with tears staining her eyes while her friend numbly nodded alongside her.

“Yes…she will.” The princess muttered in a still shaken voice only for her eyes to narrow in boiling rage when Hoshin defiantly called out to her.

“Look at her! Every single one of you! This is what you three have done to my people! Highborn scum! You are vile people! And you pushed us to this! And this is your penance!” Hoshin bellowed with bottomless fury in his eyes while the two noblewomen shakily turned to meet his gaze.

Mai and Ty Lee sat in a speechless silence with miserable realization in their eyes.

They began to see that they were just as much to blame as Azula.

And now the acrobat couldn’t help but tremble as she thought of every rebel that she has helped Azula capture.

And wonder just how much suffering she has caused.

That was when the princess terrified them even further when she howled in a vengeful rage while she rounded around to face the rebel’s shouting face.

“I am going to brutalize you!” The princess snapped in an infuriated voice as she gently set the now moaning girl in the markswoman’s arm opens.

“A-Azula.” The markswoman spoke in a quiet voice as she held the petite girl’s head in her lap only to shiver in terror while she watched the woman charge ahead in a blind rage.

And Ty Lee swallowed under her breath while she watched the terrified soldiers jump aside to avoid being caught in Azula’s war path.

Even Zoe hurriedly sidestepped while she gazed over her shoulder at the enraged woman as she ran toward their captive.

A deafening roar of rage split into the air a moment later when rebel was coldly thrown to the ground on his ass.

“I defeated you tyrant! You lose!” The rebel leader yelled out only to release a cry of pain when a boot connected with his jaw.

The monarch’s forces shuddered when a bloodied tooth flew into the air and rolled before the furious woman’s pointed boots.

And then Azula held out two fingers while lightning began to generate at her fingertips as she glared down at her downed enemy with her golden eyes forming an unimaginably imposing glare.

“You have won nothing! Nothing but an agonizing death!” Azula roared at the top of her lungs before she jumped atop the struggling man.

And then she straddled his body with blue fire exuding from her wrathful lips before she savagely struck him in the face with the sheath of her sword.

All across the battlefield people watched as their princess began brutally beating the life out of the rebel leader.

Some gazed on in fear.

Others pleasure.

And just as many without care.

The sound of steel striking flesh resounded in the air while both noblewomen gaped on in terror over their friend’s newfound descent into savagery.

In some ways they wanted to see Hoshin suffer.

And in other ways they uncomfortably wondered if Azula is truly responsible for bringing this onto herself.

And their innocent young friend as well.

“I-ignore that! Focus on the girl! I need help removing the knife! Steady her!” The nurse exclaimed in an alarmed voice with her words jarring the two noblewomen back to reality.

“R-right. Sorry.” Ty Lee answered in a torn-up voice before she placed her hands-on Elle’s shoulders while the younger girl released a pained moan.

As soon as she heard that.

She felt her sympathy for whatever the man went through vanish into thin air while she steadied her adopted sister’s dainty shoulders in her friend’s lap.

And Mai still gazed down with tears on her cheeks while she helped hold Elle down as the nurse began pulling out the knife.

Only for her tawny eyes to tremble in rage when the girl released an ear-piercing wail of pain.

A cry that only served as fuel to further Azula’s rage.

Over and over Azula struck the now brutalized man with the sheath of her sword while her soldiers stood in a paralyzed silence as they watched the scene from the sidelines.

“No one makes my Elle bleed and gets away with it! No one!” The princess hissed with before she pulled back her lightning generated fist while she held onto her savaged victim by the collar of his shirt.

And then she struck!

All the while Elle unconsciously whimpered as the knife was torn from her chest while tears dripped down her cheek.

The nurse and the acrobat put pressure on the girl’s wound while they all shuddered when the rebel’s tormented cries filled the air.

One after another.

Azula brutally punched the screaming man in his mangled face with a lightning imbued fist.

“That’s right you worthless rebel! Scream!” Azula snarled with her enraged fist ruthlessly colliding in Hoshin’s face.

Electricity sparked in her palm while she grasped ahold of his shirt while she glared down at his moaning face with hateful golden eyes.

“I have only just begun! I hope that you can handle it…maggot! Because you are in for a long-time suffering!” The princess sneered with her golden eyes narrowing into a monstrous golden gaze while she glared down into his weakening green eyes.

And then her fist pounded into his cooked cheek while she sent a controlled dose of lightning through his body.

Hoshin’s shrieks of agony split into the valley air while everyone stared on in a speechless quiet while the royal woman mercilessly tortured her defeated opponent.

And so, it went.

Azula struck one savage blow after another upon her enemy until the man lay maimed beyond recognition beneath her.

She panted with sweat staining her beautiful cheeks while she dazedly stood up with her enraged eyes still glaring down at the mutilated man.

The acrobat sat in a terror-struck silence while she held the teenager’s crying face in her hands as she gazed back at her friend’s maddened face.

The markswoman was just as speechless.

Even the captain herself stared on with her mouth ajar in surprise.

And the pilot had long since begun trembling in fear.

In all the years that Ty Lee has known Azula.

She has seen the princess remorselessly kill in war more times than she can count.

But…

She has never seen Azula like this before.

Even that day with the two bullies was nothing compared to the rage that was coming to the surface in the wake of Elle’s stabbing!

“There’s your victory…worm.” Azula spoke in a callous voice with her red lips pursed in a murderous thin line.

And then she sprung forward!

The princess’s roars split the air once more while her bewildered army watched her begin kicking the man’s already unrecognizable face in.

Drops of blood flew into the air while even the hardened members of the Dai Li stared on in a spellbound silence.

Again, and again Azula’s boot collided with Hoshin’s cracking skull.

Thud!

Azula’s vengeful voice thundered into the air while she towered over Hoshin’s prone body.

And then she raised her boot with her golden eyes narrowing in contempt as if she were about to step on a bug.

And then she stomped her boot down on his face with every fiber of her being.

And then…

Crack!

Silence reigned over the small army.

The princess stumbled away with her face dripping in sweat while her golden eyes honed in on her betrothed’s tear strained face.

She breathed heavily before she stomped forward with an exhausted gasp escaping her throat.

Her sole thought was her handmaid’s wellbeing.

The haze she was in was so great that she didn’t even notice her two childhood friends staring at her in a horrified quiet.

The only one who had recovered from her surprise was Zoe herself.

If only because she was familiar with what it was like to go through dangerous bursts of rage.

“My Elle…give her to me.” The princess ordered in a parched voice with her terrifying eyes causing the three women to cower under her gaze.

“O-of course p-princess. J-just be careful not to push on her wound.” The nurse answered in a terrified stammer before she fearfully backed away.

And then Azula dropped down on one knee while she stared back at Mai’s beyond intimidated face.

It didn’t take long for the noblewoman to quickly comply.

The two noblewomen watched in a shaken silence when Azula tenderly scooped Elle’s small body in her open arms.

And then she stood up with the young girl’s face against her armored breast.

She held the girl’s fragile body close to her breasts and then she wordlessly began walking.

Her friends and her people gazed after her in a confused silence while they watched her walk off.

And soon enough the two distraught noblewomen took off after their leader.

Two days later.

The teenager lay unconscious in a tent with the back of her head laying against pillowy breasts while golden eyes gazed down at her unmoving form.

The older female held a wooden bowl in her hand.

And in the bowl was fresh pureed orange.

The princess spooned the mashed orange out before she slid the spoon between her handmaid’s coughing lips.

“Eat peasant.” Azula commanded in a voice of fondness while she gently steadied her girlfriend’s moaning head.

All the while her cold eyes watched closely while the small girl swallowed the mouthful in her sleep.

And her callous golden gaze flickered with something akin to relief to see that the girl was recovering.

Even if it was slow. She was recovering all the same.

Elle released a pained moan as she sunk back into Azula’s lap while strong womanly arms wrapped around her bandaged chest.

“You’ll be okay Elle. I’ll protect you.” The princess spoke in an unusually subdued voice with a regal frown on her lips while she held the moaning girl in her arms.

She cradled the small girl in her lap with a growl escaping her lips when her serving girl whimpered against her bosom.

She’ll protect this one.

And that was a promise.

The next morning…

The exhausted princess stood with a crew of people while her eyes grew wide in rage after hearing the news that her scouts had just brought her.

"What do you mean the rebel boats were burned?" Azula demanded as she stared hard back at Nako’s nervous face while the pilot shifted on her feet.

"It's just as I said princess. We found what remains of the rebel boats. But they won't be of any use to us. By the look of it...someone set the boats on fire before they left the island." Nako explained in a dejected voice while Azula’s clenched fists fell down to her hips.

“That damned puppeteer. She’ll pay for this.” The princess hissed under her breath as she turned away to glare off into the crashing waves while her subjects stood in an unsettled silence behind her.

And her wretched fat uncle as well.

Anyone involved in this will suffer by her hand.

And that too…is a promise.

Later on, that very same day…

The princess stood with a furious hand on a tropical tree while the acrobat’s emotional voice split into the air.

“You can’t keep doing this Azula! You can’t keep treating people like they’re less than human and then wonder why so many people are after your head! And now gentle Elle almost paid with her life because of you and your father’s cruelty!” Ty Lee shouted with tears in her eyes while she gazed imploringly over Azula’s shoulder.

She knew with every fiber of her being that Azula was truly trying to be a better person.

But her friend was still stuck in her brainwashed war mentality!

The royal woman clenched her jaw as she glared out at the crashing waves while she gazed down at their new encampment.

“His wife was probably just some rebel fool who couldn’t accept a more efficient change in government! It’s not like I go around the Earth Kingdom hunting peasants! The only people I’ve overseen the sentencing of are rebel soldiers! Loyal citizens prosper under my reign! And the traitors are punished! The commoners are better fed under my rule than they were under Long Feng!” Azula retorted with her teeth bared in her anger while she spun around to meet the other woman’s tearful gaze.

“I…I know Azula. It’s just that you seem to have this false belief that we as nobility and royalty are something akin to gods…and people like Elle are lesser beings!” The brown-haired woman insisted in a distraught voice with the other woman rolling her golden eyes back at her.

“Please Ty Lee! You’re putting words in my mouth! I have never declared that I was a God!” The princess snorted with her cold eyes gazing into the sunny distance.

“Y-you act like it. All the time. There’s nothing different about your genetics and a commoner. We’re all the same Azula. And I…I really think you need to pull your head out of that nonsense that your father instilled in you.” Ty Lee declared with a brief spark of bravery in her voice that wavered when Azula rounded on her once more.

“Nonsense? You dare to call my father’s teachings nonsense!” Azula barked with her eyes trembling in anger while Ty Lee boldly stood her ground.

“I do! Your father brainwashed you Azula! He doesn’t know anything about the people he rules! He hasn’t even ever led a military campaign! All he does in sit in an isolated palace!” The brown-haired woman yelled with rising emotion in her damp eyes while the monarch angrily glared a hole through her skull.

“Brainwashed! I am not brainwashed!” The princess answered in a furious voice with her fists balling up at her womanly hips.

“Yes, you are Azula. Your father does not have your best interests at heart. Elle has helped you step out of the delusions of war that he has placed in your mind. And the time will come when you have to choose.” Ty Lee explained in a compassionate voice while she set her hand on the other woman’s angered shoulder.

“Choose what Ty Lee?” Azula hissed in an icy voice with great fury in her regal voice while Ty Lee’s tear-filled eyes stared back at her.

“Elle…or your father. You can’t have both. He will never accept your relationship with Elle. He will hate her. And he will hurt her.” The brown-haired woman instructed in a worried voice while the taller woman scowled back at her.

“I have already told you that I will never let that happen.” The princess scoffed with her full lips pursing into a tight scowl.

“Please Azula…If you really love Elle…if you really want to share your life with her. You will only be able to do so if your father is completely removed from power.” Ty Lee declared in an urgent voice while Azula regarded her through the corner of her eye.

The monarch gritted her teeth while she crushed the tree trunk beneath her hand.

“You ask me to betray my father?” Azula asked in a frigid voice with her dark hair sticking to her sweating cheek.

“I ask you to stand up to him. And tell him that you are stronger than him. Tell him that you love Elle and that the throne belongs to you now. Tell him that you are taking control…whether he likes it or not.” The brown-haired woman announced in a comforting voice while the other woman gazed at her with something akin to recognition in her golden eyes.

The royal woman was silent for the better part of a minute before she pushed her body off the tree trunk.

And then she turned around to fully face her shorter friend.

“I will give your words some thought.” The princess grumbled in a still foul tempered voice only to find herself tensing up when the acrobat threw her arms around her shoulders.

She gazed down with uncertainty in her callous eyes while her friend pressed her face into her neck.

“I-I was so scared Azula. So scared that we were going to lose her. I…just don’t want that to ever happen again. Okay?” Ty Lee stuttered in a heartfelt voice with tears still dripping down her cheek.

“It…won’t.” Azula muttered in a tone of finality before she awkwardly put her arms around the acrobat’s shoulders.

“Good.” The brown-haired woman responded with a returning smile on her lips while an arm slid over her shoulder.

“If I have to leash her and put her in a cage for her own wellbeing then so be it. It’s for her own good anyhow.” The princess remarked in a possessive voice with the hint of a smirk on her red lips.

The other woman sweatdropped before she replied in a sigh.

“Please no leashes and cages Azula.” Ty Lee sighed in an exasperated voice while Azula disconnected from their embrace.

“I make no promises.” Azula remarked with her fists on her womanly hips while she smiled back at the shuddering acrobat.

She would keep a much closer watch on her intended from this moment onward.

There will never be another opportunity for that to happen again.

Never again.

The princess lay on her side with her boots at the bottom of the bed while she held her handmaid against her cheek.

Their arms were wrapped around one another’s neck while the older female continued to gently brush her fingernails across her young girlfriend’s cheek.

The teenager smiled shyly just as Azula took hold of her cheeks while she flushed under the royal woman’s domineering gaze.

“O-oh Azula-sama…” Elle trailed off in a lovesick voice just as warm lips suddenly pressed against her own.

She laid there with a pleasurable shiver traveling down her spine when the powerful woman growled against her lips.

“Mine.” Azula growled with her hands cupping Elle’s trembling cheek just as she slid of her handmaid’s lips.

“M-my alpha.” The blonde-haired girl murmured in a bashful undertone while the captivating woman leaned in to hiss against her cheek.

“My pet.” The princess purred in a tone of absolute authority while she reached out to brush her handmaid’s hair from her eyes.

The small girl lay there in her arms as red as a tomato only for the door to open without warning.

The couple turned their heads to find the two noblewomen staring back at them with moved emotion in their eyes.

“Elle!” Ty Lee shouted in an overjoyed voice before rushed with no regard for her broken ankle.

“Oneesan!” Elle answered in an equally excited voice just as she sat up beside her sighing master.

“How are you feeling little sister?” Mai greeted in a softened voice with great relief in her tawny eyes while she rushed forward after her friend.

“Quite well! I woke up to hugs from a princess!” The blonde-haired girl exclaimed in a cheery voice while her girlfriend rolled her eyes down at her.

The two noblewomen just smiled back at the girl before they took hurried seats at her bedside.

And soon the young girl found herself blushing a deep shade of red while the three highborn women smothered her with attention.

Quite literally!

“We were so worried about you!” The brown-haired woman yelled out with her arms around the smaller girl’s neck while the held the serving girl’s face in her breasts.

And her spoiled friend now glared at her with a sliver of envy in her cold eyes.

“Ty Lee! I have already told you! My breasts only!” Azula huffed with her arms folded over her breasts while the acrobat ignored her.

“S-sumimasen Ty Lee. I…didn’t mean to worry everyone.” Elle spoke in a timid voice just as she blushed when Ty Lee placed a sisterly kiss on her cheek.

An action that had the princess already shoving her elbow between the two of them.

“Get your lips off my pet.” The princess demanded in a beyond entitled voice while her two friends cast her annoyed glances.

“Don’t worry about it shorty. We’re just glad to see that you’re okay.” The markswoman stated in a tone of fondness with her hand on the emotional girl’s shoulder.

That was all it took for the young girl to leap into her open arms while she found herself sighing gently.

She really was a sweetheart.

“I-I am so happy. I have never been this loved before. Not since my…p-parents died.” The blonde-haired girl stuttered with her face in the noblewoman’s breasts while tawny eyes softened above her.

All three women gazed down at their young companion with appreciation in their eyes.

“We know Elle. We know.” Ty Lee assured with a giant grin on her lips.

“Elle…I want you to know that I am sorry.” Mai spoke with her arms around Elle’s back while the smaller girl blinked in confusion.

“What for oneesan?” Elle asked in a puzzled voice while Mai guiltily gazed down at her.

“I didn’t protect you.” The markswoman replied in a remorseful undertone while the younger girl smiled warmly up at her.

“You certainly didn’t.” Azula snorted with a trace of judgement in her cold voice while Mai flinched under her gaze.

But even so.

There was much to be learned from this ‘incident’.

This was all the confirmation that she needed to know that the girl’s power had limits.

‘The girl might be the Avatar’s weakness but she couldn’t fend off a knife wielding earthbender.’ The princess thought with a scowl on her regal lips.

“Azula.” The brown-haired woman scolded with a frown while the spoiled woman just still stared at her friend in disapproval.

“It’s alright Mai. It wasn’t your fault. Please don’t blame yourself oneesan. Because I don’t.” The blonde-haired girl declared with an innocent smile on her lips before she placed a platonic kiss on the smiling noblewoman’s cheek.

“If you say so little sister. Then I won’t.” Mai assured with a grin growing on her lips only for Azula’s hand to push the girl away from her face.

“What do you think you’re doing kissing Mai?” Azula demanded with fire exuding from her nostrils while she narrowed her eyes down at her handmaid’s adorable intimidated face.

“S-sumimasen Azula-sama.” Elle murmured in a lovable voice while a greedy hand grasped a hold of her shirt as she was pulled back beside Azula.

“I will let it slide this time. But if you ever do so again, I will imprison you for all time!” The princess announced with a glower while her friends rolled their eyes at her back.

“You should have seen it Elle…Azula was worrying nonstop until you woke up.” Ty Lee stated with a giggle while the prideful woman turned to scowl over at the metal wall.

“R-really Azula-sama?” The blonde-haired girl asked with an adorable shade of pink on her cheeks while she wrapped her arm around the older female’s bicep.

“No. I was not. You were nothing but a pain in my ass.” Azula scoffed with a haughty snort while her lovely handmaid still smiled up at her.

“How touching.” The markswoman commented in monotone while the acrobat still giggled alongside her.

“She’s just too stubborn to admit it Elle. Azula was hovering over you the entire time. She even pureed fresh oranges and fed them to you in your sleep.” The brown-haired woman informed with an affectionate smile.

The small girl peered up at the scowling woman with a moved flush on her cheeks just as she grasped onto the older girl’s robes.

“A-arigatou gozaimasu Azula-sama.” Elle stammered just as she pushed her face into Azula’s breasts while she listened to the beautiful woman sigh above her.

“You just be sure that you make it up to me peasant. I am your master…I shouldn’t have to put so much work into keeping you alive. It is beneath me.” The princess sighed in a pompous voice while she slid her arm around her handmaid’s small back.

“You are so full of yourself Azula.” Mai muttered with another roll of her eyes while Azula smiled smugly when Elle began to crawl in her lap.

“Yes princess! As you command! I’ll be a good peasant!” The blonde-haired girl cried out with an adorable smile while the royal woman smirked down at her.

Only for the sound of a loud growling belly to flow into the air while the three highborn women gazed down at their young friend’s reddened face with amusement in their eyes.

“Sumimasen minasan.” Elle mumbled in a soft-spoken voice while Azula rolled her eyes down at her.

“You are such a naïve peasant. You would rather starve to death than eat meat.” Azula grumbled with returning annoyance in her voice while Elle blushed under her gaze.

It was a disconcerting detail that bothered all three of them.

They never would have figured that Elle would have been so insistent on her diet even under such grueling conditions.

“That’s so Azula-sama. I’m just a butterfly in the breeze. That’s how I live. It’s how I’ll always be.” The blonde-haired girl declared with a sunny smile before she coughed lightly into her hand.

“We really need to get that cough checked out Azula.” Ty Lee advised in a helpful voice.

“Wrong Elle. You’re a butterfly in a cage. A cage that I hold in the palm of my hand.” The princess boasted with a conceited smirk while her lifelong friends shivered once more.

Only for the young girl to cry out in delight while her big sisters gazed at her oddly.

“Yes! And I eagerly wait for when my beautiful princess will take me out of my cage for a snuggle!” Elle cheered with a radiant expression while the two-noblewomen shuddered in renewed pity.

“Y-you really shouldn’t start talking to Azula about cages little sister.” The brown-haired woman stated with a wince while the princess’s red lips curved into a pleased smirk.

“Silence Ty Lee! If my pet longs to be in a cage. Then she will be caged. Who are you to deny her that pleasure?” Azula ordered with a thrust of her finger while Ty Lee just gazed at her flatly.

That was when they all turned to notice that the injured were being led up the ramp of the massive royal barge.

“Oh, that reminds me Azula. Have you spoken with that chancellor yet?” Ty Lee asked as if it had just come to her while she smiled over how Azula didn’t want to leave Elle’s side.

“No, Ty Lee. I have not. I just spent the last nine days wandering that miserable island. And now I finally have a chance to sit down. So, I would much rather not be pestered by nagging politicians right now.” The princess snorted with a snide roll of her golden eyes while her two friends stared at her pointedly.

“Uh Azula. But this ‘nagging’ politician is the one that rescued us.” The brown-haired woman answered with a sigh while the spoiled woman held her little sister against her breast.

“I know. It has only been an hour and I have already been told so five times.” Azula complained with a finger lazily twirling through her hair while she sighed as if it was a great hardship to bear.

In that very moment they all turned their heads when they heard a sudden commotion outside.

Only for their eyes to widen in unison when they saw the injured captain step onto the upper deck only for four guards to move forward to block her advance.

The noblewoman was now wearing a new plain white long-sleeved shirt as replacement for the one she gave to Elle.

And now the soldier was staring up with narrowed hazel eyes while the admiral stepped up to stare back at her in contempt.

The admiral’s hair was grey and as per usual his hair was in a small bun.

His golden eyes stared at the captain while she defiantly continued walking forward only for the soldiers to aggressive take combat stances.

“I would prefer it if you wait for the next ship Generalkiller.” Raken announced with a distasteful expression on his lips while Zoe regarded him lazily.

Inside the royal chamber princess sat up with aggravation in her cold eyes while her friends mutually gazed on in bewilderment.

“What is that fool doing?” The princess asked in annoyance while her golden eyes began to form a callous glare.

“Apparently this admiral hates Zoe about as much as Mai.” Ty Lee answered with a shrug.

“I wonder why.” Mai stated with only marginally less hate than before.

“And I would prefer if you died in a pile of shit old man. Sadly. We all can’t have what we want in this world.” Zoe responded with her usual sass while Raken’s eyes flashed in rage as he glared back at her.

“Ugh! Move Elle. Only one hour and I am already babysitting.” Azula commanded with a regal frown on her composed face while her handmaid obediently slid out of her lap.

And then she stood up with her arms folded over her breasts while the two noblewomen still gazed out the window.

“I…can see why he doesn’t like her.” The brown-haired woman muttered in a sigh.

“You will not speak to me that way butcher!” The high admiral snapped with his hands folded behind his back while the noblewomen watched from above.

“Is this guy stupid?” The markswoman pondered in a baffled voice while the injured captain glared at the surrounding guards.

“Ty Lee! Get this tiger monkey something suitable to eat! Something vegetarian.” The princess ordered as she strode towards the door while the acrobat smiled at her back.

“Of course, Azula. Mai and I will go get Elle a meal.” Ty Lee exclaimed with a large grin on her lips while she ruffled Elle’s hair.

“O-oneesan.” Elle stammered with sweet laughter lacing her voice while the two noblewomen smiled down at her.

“I will return shortly.” Azula remarked in a stern voice before she opened the door and closed it behind her.

And then she walked down the halls with a regal scowl gracing her red lips.

The irate monarch swiftly strode down the corridors of the ship with her arms crossed over her breasts.

Only to find herself pausing when her cold eyes took note of a man approaching from the other side of the hall.

Her golden eyes widened ever so slightly when she watched the man quickly stride towards her with an amicable countenance.

‘Ty Lee didn’t say that it was Royal Chancellor Terak!’ The princess thought as she turned to face the approaching official.

It went without saying that she has seen the man here and there. But he was not someone that she regularly acquainted herself with.

He was a member of the royal court.

A heavily disliked one at that.

The chancellor was in his early thirties.

He had sharp golden eyes that conveyed his quick-witted nature.

His face was slightly narrowed, and he wore his short dark hair in the usual top-knot.

He was wearing traditional red robes as he moved forward to greet her.

He was shorter than most men…and as far as she could recall his atrocious firebending made her brother look like a prodigy in comparison.

“Chancellor Terak.” Azula greeted in a curt voice while she watched the official bow with his right arm held over his chest.

“Princess Azula! I am overjoyed to see that you are unharmed.” Terak responded with a friendly smile on his lips.

Azula regarded the man with an almost lazy glance before she spoke once more.

“You were the one who deployed the royal barge?” The princess questioned in a curious voice with a dismissive wave of her hand while she gestured for the man to rise.

“I was Your Highness. I hope you find the ship to your liking. I tried to fit the décor to your tastes…” The chancellor quipped in a mildly excitable voice while folded clasped his hands together just when the royal woman resumed her walk.

“So, I see. You shall be adequately rewarded for your service.” Azula remarked in her usual icy voice while she watched the official began to follow after her heels.

However unlike when her handmaid scampered after her it only served to heighten her irritation.

“You honor me princess. You will be pleased to know that I brought a handful of handmaids to fulfill your every need.” Terak spoke with a hurried nod only to find himself gazing on in confusion when Azula shook her regal head.

“That won’t be necessary. You may dismiss them at the next stop. I brought my personal servant with me. The girl is fully trained to serve to my liking.” The princess declared in a tone that she hoped was devoid of affection while the man tilted his head in perplexity.

She could already tell that he would be testing her every last nerve.

“Just one? Ah very well. I will send them off at our first stop.” The chancellor agreed in a cool-headed voice while the royal woman turned to glance down at him.

“If there is something you wish to say then say it.” Azula commented with her fingernail tapping her toned bicep while Terak still offered her an amicable grin.

“You wouldn’t believe how ironic it was for me to come upon you princess. You see I set out to bring news to you personally. Only to receive a disconcerting report of the disappearance of your royal airship.” Terak conversed in a sly undertone almost similar to Azula herself while the woman gazed down at him with her elegant eyebrows raising curiously.

“Really? Is that so chancellor. What news might that be?” The princess pondered in a slightly intrigued voice while the official hurried after her.

“Several things. Things that are best not spoke in open halls.” The chancellor answered evasively much to the monarch’s increased aggravation.

“I just spent the last nine days shepherding nearly one hundred starving people across that wretched isle. I am in no mood for political subterfuge.” Azula snapped in an imposing voice as she glared down at Terak as the man hastily bowed once more at the hip.

She could see it clearly in his eyes.

This man was…too smart for her liking.

She didn’t want him around her recovering betrothed.

“Of course, princess. My pardons. I will be brief then. Apparently, there have been several small rebellions in the far east…in the name of a…Princess Ling.” Terak began with a hand under his chin while Azula’s golden gaze took on a wrathful stare.

“I’ve heard. I encountered a band of fifty something marauding rebels who had the foolish notion that they could kill me. And now they are rotting in the ground. And the rest will soon join them. Along with anyone else who had a part to play in my ambush.” The princess hissed with fire exuding from her nostrils.

“You speak wisely my princess. After the shameful way that they desecrated your image. They deserve nothing short of death.” The chancellor answered with a shake of his head while the tall woman paused in her step.

“Desecrated my image?” Azula asked in a malicious voice while she turned to gaze down at Terak as the short man fished for a paper in his robes.

“Here is the…artistic depiction.” Terak replied in a flinching voice while he held out a rolled-up paper in his hand for Azula to take.

As soon as Azula heard the words ‘artistic depiction’ her blood had already begun to boil.

She quickly tore the paper from the man’s hand.

All the while the thoughts of all of the gruesome ways that she would punish the rebels began to circulate in her mind.

Only for her golden eyes to widen into a wrathful glare when she finally gazed down at the wrinkled paper.

Her jaw clenched while she stared down at the drawing with the flames of war already beginning to burn in her infuriated golden gaze.

“After they recaptured Xinshui. The rebels killed Colonel Dogo. Sad. Yes? But the filthy rebels did not stop there. No. The dirty rebels tore down your statue…and well covered it in platypus bear excrement.” The chancellor explained as he gazed away at the wall while the royal woman trembled in rage with the paper in her hand.

“I am going to crush every last one of them. No one mocks me and lives to tell about it. No one.” The princess spoke in a seething voice just as she crushed the paper in her clenched fist before it lit up in blue flames.

“Crush them yes. I agree whole heartedly. That is why I came to see you. I would like to help you.” Terak announced with a returning crafty smile while Azula glanced down at him incredulously.

“You help me? I recall that your firebending is utterly abyssal. You’re not even a general.” Azula scoffed in a callous voice just as she resumed her walk.

The chancellor’s smile briefly wavered into a scowl that he directed at the statuesque woman’s turned back.

“Hm. You speak true. I can barely even produce a flame. But I have something better. Something…more powerful than firebending.” Terak responded in a sly voice while Azula snorted in snide amusement.

“And what would that be chancellor?” The princess inquired in a mocking voice before she turned to gaze back at the official’s smiling face.

“A strategic mind.” The chancellor answered with a growing smile just as he pointed at his head while the royal woman paused as if she was considering his words.

“You came to offer me your mind?” Azula pondered in mid stride while she regally walked ahead of the politician.

“Zoe’s strength is all well and good. But hacking and slashing will only get you so far princess. If you will allow me…I would apply a more…subtle touch.” Terak stated as he rushed after Azula while she held a contemplative hand under her chin.

“What do you have in mind?” The princess questioned with an increasingly devious smile on her beautiful face while she surveyed the man.

Perhaps…this man would be of more use to her than she first thought.

“At your convenience I will run the details by you in private. And then do as you will Your Highness. It is up to you…as always.” The chancellor quipped as he bowed at the neck while the princess’s red lips curved into a larger smirk.

“You know your place chancellor. That pleases me. So be it. We shall speak tomorrow morning. After I have gotten my rest.” Azula ordered with a commanding smile while she placed her fists on her womanly hips.

It was good to have people around that understood that her will was absolute.

None more so understood this than her lovely little serving girl.

“Yes, my princess. One more thing. The injured workers and staff from your party. Shall I make space in the utility rooms for them?” Terak queried as he tilted his head with a curious countenance.

The royal woman paused yet again with her smirk giving way to an uncharacteristically considerate expression.

If it were ten days ago, she would have responded without delay.

But now…

“No. Make room for each one of them in the military quarters.” The princess remarked in a strict voice while the official blinked in astonishment.

“Hmm. Very well. I shall begin making the arrangements shortly.” The chancellor informed in a still puzzled voice while the tall woman still walked ahead of him.

“And one more thing chancellor. There is a young pilot…her name is Nako. Place that one in a chamber beside Mai and Ty Lee.” Azula commanded with a lazy wave of her hand while Terak froze in disbelief.

His golden eyes flashed in confusion but he knew better than to openly question Azula’s will.

Most especially with how her cold eyes were staring down at him as if she were daring him to oppose her announcement.

“Understood. It shall be done.” Terak concluded with a nod only to tilt his head when they heard the sound of more shouting up above.

The princess’s lips pursed into a scowl once more before she wordlessly strode ahead of the man towards the upper deck.

It was like the entire world was testing her patience to see how long she could go before she started killing people at random!

The royal woman just growled under her breath before she vanished around the next bend.

While Terak now stood holding a finger under his chin with a crafty smirk growing on his lips.

“My…it seems as if things are about to become…interesting.” The chancellor stated in a sly voice before he rushed after his monarch.

The famous soldier stood at the very top of the barges deck while glared at the gathered guards while she placed her good hand over her sheathed blade.

All the while the two noblewomen gazed out the window with rising curiosity in their eyes while the admiral returned her glare.

Down below stood her soldiers and the young pilot just as they began to walk up the ramp.

“I have nothing against you brothers. But if you don’t get out of my way. You will never see your families again.” Zoe spoke as she dropped into a crouched stance with her palm over her blade.

The captain’s soldiers and the pilot shuddered while they watched the growing standoff with wary eyes.

The admiral’s soldiers tensed up in alarm as soon as the warrior said those ominous words.

Yet the admiral refused to back down.

“You do not give me orders here Generalkiller.” Raken retorted before he nodded his soldiers forward.

They exchanged a brief look before they stepped forward in their heavy armor while the noblewoman stared up at then with glacial hazel eyes.

“Can you even fight without your toys Zoe?” The high admiral taunted in an arrogant voice while the woman glared up at him.

And her soldiers just shook their heads while they stood motionless at the bottom of the ramp.

“You dare call out my honor?” The captain almost snapped with her hazel eyes shimmering in rage while she removed her sheath off her waist.

“What honor?” Raken responded in a sneering voice while he watched smugly as ten soldiers began to surround the female soldier.

“Have it your way old man. I’ll play your little game. And then I will teach you a lesson that you won’t forget.” Zoe declared just as she slid her sheathed blade down the ramp.

It rolled to a stop before Saro’s boots while the man gazed down at it before he gazed back up at his commander with a patient gaze.

At this moment all eyes were on Zoe as she stood gazing around at the encircling guards with determined hazel eyes.

That was when Azula terrified the admiral by clearing her throat behind him.

“What are you doing?” Azula inquired in a cold voice while Raken fearfully turned to bow at the waist.

And that was all it took for the soldiers to stop in their tracks while the Crown Princess glared back at the frightened admiral.

“N-nothing princess! It was…just a brief exchange of words. Nothing more.” The high admiral assured in a hurried voice.

All the while Terak stepped out to gaze upon the scene with a hidden playful gleam in his golden eyes.

“I am sure it was.” The princess snorted with a roll of her graceful eyes only for her captain to take her by surprise when she tore off her arm sling.

“I don’t need to be coddled. Least of not from an aging old fuck like you. Bring it on.” The captain declared with her wounded fist falling to her hip while her monarch gazed at her in mild annoyance.

But even so Azula just sighed as she waved in hand in the hair before she took a step back.

And Raken seethed in offense once more while he hatefully glared back at the infamous soldier’s fearless face.

“Very well Zoe. Do as you please.” Azula commented in a bored voice before she leaned back against a wall as she watched the soldiers begin to advance once more.

She scanned her fingernails on her clenched fist with a trace of amusement in her eyes while they surrounded the noblewoman.

“I suggest you watch your mouth lest you find yourself at my mercy Generalkiller. You heard the princess. You may begin.” Raken called out with a returning smirk.

And so, it went.

Within seconds the soldiers sprang for the surrounded woman all at once.

Mai, Ty Lee and Elle watched from the young girl’s window as they shared a knowing glance.

The admiral was a fool if he thought that Zoe would be so easy to humiliate.

Everyone gazed on in a suspenseful silence while the admiral’s soldiers attacked the injured warrior.

For a brief moment Zoe’s dark hair hung in her eyes before she released a roaring battlecry just as a flaming fist nearly scorched her face.

Only for her the captain to catch the man at the wrist with a grunt just as she drove her knee into his plated belly.

The man stumbled backwards while two of his fellows attacked the captain from behind.

All while the princess watched with callous golden eyes.

‘They actually think that Zoe is nothing without her sword? What fools.’ Azula thought with rising entertainment in her eyes while she noticed the chancellor stepping up beside her.

‘Hmm. Admiral Raken’s men are eager to claim Zoe’s glory as their own. I can’t help but wonder…’ Terak thought with a crafty gleam in his eyes while Zoe evade another strike to the jaw.

Only to tripped the man on his ass with her sliding boot.

And then the noblewoman stepped backwards while she gazed all around her with observant hazel eyes while the lead soldier smirked back at her.

“Is that all you got Generalkiller?” Shagok taunted as he made his way forward in a bending stance while his comrades surrounded the woman.

“Not hardly. I just don’t want to break too many of your bones.” Zoe retorted with a small smirk of her own before she rapidly sidestepped and caught a soldier by the arm.

And then she roared while she sent him soaring to the steel floor with a pained grunt.

“A lifetime of pay for any soldier that breaks her arms!” The high admiral announced with his words spurring the soldiers into action.

The monarch glanced at him through the corner of her eye before the shouting soldiers soon leaped upon her most skilled warrior.

And with that the battle took on a more violent turn.

“You heard Admiral Raken! Get her!” A soldier shouted while he swung at the captain’s face just as a comrade struck at her back.

The wounded warrior just barely dodged while she elbowed the same man in the face before she spun around to block another strike.

Only to hiss when a fiery boot struck her in her torn pant leg.

All the while Azula stared at the scene with a flicker of puzzlement in her eyes while Zoe stumbled backwards.

Why isn’t she using her bending!

“There’s no way those fools can defeat her.” Mai muttered in a deadpan voice while the other two girls watched from behind her.

As much as she despised Zoe.

Even she couldn’t deny that her combat prowess was like no other.

“Probably not.” Ty Lee agreed with a nod of her head while she sat on the edge of the bed with Elle under her arm.

The panting warrior staggered backwards as she spun around to avoid another punch.

Only to receive a fist her jaw from a soldier from behind.

And then she fell to the steel deck with a new burn mark on her cheek while she lay there panting.

Everyone gazed at the scene in a speechless quiet while the princess found herself unable to resist her lips curling into a regal from.

‘Is she too exhausted? Or is it something else?’ Azula thought with returning frustration in her eyes.

The soldiers began to mock and jeer the kneeling woman while they continued to encircle her like hungry sharks.

It was just grating watching her most prized warrior lay there and take such insult from lesser benders!

“It looks like her only skill is putting a sword in her superior’s chest!” Shagok yelled out in a laugh while Zoe panted with her hair in her eyes.

‘Idiots.’ Saro thought with a pitiless shake of his head.

“So much for the great Zoe and her special elites!” Izom laughed raucously as he sneered down at the captain’s sweating ace.

“But it’s not really much of a surprise given how pathetic her sister is.” The lead soldier chuckled with the others all joining him in roaring laughter.

The princess just rolled her eyes while she sighed as she leaned back against the steel wall.

If Zoe doesn’t punish these fools she will.

That was when the soldiers sprung forward once more while two made a fiery swipe for the kneeling woman.

Only for the captain to duck out of the way just as their fists struck each other in their helmets.

The two men soared to the ground on their asses while Azula’s lips began to purse into a smirk once more.

That’s more like it.

Not a second later Shagok’s boot impacted with Zoe’s chest while the warrior fell to the deck once more.

Raken smiled at the sight while he chuckled under his breath.

And once more the princess stared on with her lips in a thin line while Zoe began to push her exhausted body off the steel flooring.

All eyes were on Zoe as the determined warrior braced herself on one hand before she arose while she momentarily made eye contact with Azula’s annoyed gaze.

And then she gazed down over the rails at her subordinate Saro as he nodded up at her.

And then she turned to gaze about the ship before her eyes swept over the chancellor’s amused face.

“It looks like I’ll be getting that gold.” Shagok boasted with a victorious smirk while Zoe’s ruthless hazel eyes turned back to him.

And then he leaped forward while Zoe sprang towards him.

Zoe’s sonorous roar overtook the air when she astounded her audience by brutally catching Shagok’s fist.

And then exploding a great burst of orange flames in his face.

The audience’s jaws dropped open while they watched Zoe begin savagely beating Shagok in the helm.

And then she slammed his stunned body against the rails.

They stood speechless when Shagok’s screamed pierced the air as he was thrown off the rails of the ship and into the ocean below.

The two noblewomen and their adopted sister shuddered as they shook their heads.

“Like I said.” The markswoman stated flatly while the acrobat nodded in fear alongside her.

“Wow. Remind me never to piss Captain Zoe off.” Nako mumbled with a gulp while Zoe screamed as she sprinted at her next victim.

And Azula found her red lips curving into a smug smirk while Zoe mercilessly approached the frightened Izom.

The man took a burning swing at her only for the warrior to quickly evade his strike and ram her right fist in the man’s helmet.

Five times over.

And just like that Izom dropped to the deck crying in pain only to be greeted by Zoe bringing down both of her burning fists into his helmet.

The high admiral took a step back in shock over the captain’s brutality while he watched with widened eyes.

Several small specks of blood splattered on the metal flooring while Azula still wore a pleased smile on her red lips.

“W-what the fuck? Is she a monster?” A soldier asked in newfound fright as he nervously stepped backwards.

Zoe clenched her teeth together before she opened her mouth in a piercing battle cry while powerful flames sparked from her body.

And once more the princess stared on with surprised golden eyes.

This is the second time that she has seen this.

How are her flames getting stronger than when she fought the Avatar!

“You want to play brothers! Let’s play!” The captain shouted as she sprinted forward towards her stunned opponents.

Zoe flipped through the air while she nimbly avoided a flaming strike before she planted a boot on a soldier’s armored face.

And just like that she threw the screaming man over board into the water below.

Splash!

One by one the soldiers were sent soaring into the ocean below.

Until the captain stood panting with her hazel eyes gazing about while the princess smirked in approval.

“And there you have it. The boast has been proved.” Terak commented in a pleased voice while Azula smirked in agreement.

“So, it has. Well done Zoe.” Azula spoke with a refined smile while Zoe turned around to face the now pale admiral.

“Now then. I do believe that I made you a promise Admiral Raken.” Zoe remarked as she advanced on the now intimidated old man.

“W-wait Zoe it was just a game! That’s all!” Raken exclaimed as he took a nervous step backward while Azula cast him a disgusted glance.

“Pathetic. You start a fight and then you cower when you can’t back it up.” The princess commented with her glacial eyes staring at the admiral’s sweating face.

“Oh, believe me I understand completely. No hard feelings.” The captain answered with a playful smile while the man relaxed ever so slightly.

“That is good to…what are you doing!” The high admiral cried out just as Zoe seized him by his plated chest and slammed his frightened back against the rails.

“But if it’s all the same to you. I would prefer it if you wait for the next ship old man.” Zoe announced with a growing smirk on her lips before she threw the screaming Raken overboard.

The soldiers watched in noticeable terror as their commander splashed in the waters below.

Azula’s lips curled into a smile of sadistic amusement while she watched what remained of her people make their way up the ramp.

“You can’t do this to me! You’ll pay for this!” Raken protested as he flailed in the waters while Zoe gazed down at him over the railing.

“If you get hungry, you’ll find an orange grove about five miles into the woods that way!” The captain called down with her hands on the railing while she smirked even wider as the man screamed up at her.

“I’ll see you bleed for this Generalkiller!” The high admiral screamed as he splashed about while the warrior turned away with a smirk.

And then she held her right hand over her back while she flipped her middle finger down at the sputtering admiral.

“Eat shit old man.” Zoe remarked with her hand held high in the air while Azula quirked a brow over her unrefined language.

“Sometimes I wonder if you are truly noble born Zoe.” Azula snorted with her arms folded over her breasts while Zoe now gazed at the mass of soldiers.

“I am now the admiral of this ship. Does anyone object?” The captain declared in a strict voice with her eyes glancing over every last soldier.

The two noblewomen just turned away never truly caring what happened to the foolish admiral.

They saw all of this coming the moment he tried to pick a fight with Zoe.

The meaning behind Zoe’s announcement was as clear as day.

She was claiming the position and the only one who could say otherwise was Azula herself.

The princess just smiled with a finger underneath her chin before she shrugged.

All the while the soldiers cried out an answer in unison.

“No Commander Zoe! We do not!” The soldiers agreed in a cacophony while the captain smirked in approval.

“I am pleased to hear it! You may bring your injured comrades back on board so long as they understand that there has been a change in leadership. But leave old man Raken below would you?” Zoe commanded with a small smile on her lips before she turned away.

In that moment Saro, Nako and the others walked up while the soldiers gazed at her in admiration.

“Nice one captain.” Saro stated with a grin while he gazed at Zoe in admiration.

The noblewoman nodded in appreciation before she gazed out of the corner of her eye to note the chancellor gazing down over the rails.

“Hmm. How sad for you Admiral Raken. But if you weren’t such a simplistic brute you would have considered this possibility when you set sail to rescue our dear captain.” The chancellor spoke with his hair swaying in his eyes while the monarch gazed at him in surprise.

“Chancellor! You didn’t say anything about the Generalkiller! You only said that we were going to rescue Princess Azula!” Raken shrieked as he floated in the waters while he trembled in rage as he watched his injured subordinates limping back on board.

“Did I now? Silly me. I forgot.” Terak responded as he pushed himself off the rail while Azula smirked with a hand under her chin.

‘Interesting. He orchestrated this by withholding details from the high admiral? Perhaps this one has his merits after all.’ The princess thought with a still present smirk on her lips.

“Terak please! Help me! Say something in my defense!” The former high admiral called out as he swallowed the water that was in his mouth.

“Let me think about it…hm. No!” The chancellor taunted before he turned away with a noticeably happier countenance than before.

All the while smiling as he listened to the older man’s hateful shouts.

“You are one spiteful bastard Chancellor Terak.” The captain stated with something akin to amusement in her eyes while the man smiled back at her.

“You purposefully refrained from telling the high admiral that Zoe would be here. Why?” Azula questioned with her hands clasped behind her back while she eyed Terak closely.

It was a rare day where she met someone that had a penchant for manipulation as much as her.

“Not for myself. It was a gift for House Song.” Terak answered in a crafty voice while Azula released a snort of amusement.

“A gift for me?” Zoe asked with a trace of humor in her voice while she began to walk alongside the man.

“Of course. We are friends are we not? You intend to make your return to court. You needed to make an example of one of your detractors to silence their mockery. I provided you with your example.” The chancellor explained in a smooth voice while the captain paused to consider his words.

“You make a valid point. I suppose you want something in return.” The captain commented as she came to a stop before her monarch.

“No. As I said. It was a just from one outlier to another. That is all.” Terak insisted with a nod while Zoe directed him an unconvinced stare.

“I find that hard to believe.” Zoe scoffed with still present humor in her eyes while Terak now eyed her burned arms.

“Such nasty burns. How bold of House Lin.” The chancellor quipped with a shake of his head while the female soldier’s amused expression began to contort into returning rage.

‘What…is he trying to do?” The princess thought with a slight trace of annoyance returning to her eyes.

As much as this one entertains her.

She knew that she would have to keep him away from her handmaid.

“I caution you to refrain from mocking me. Unless you want to join the old man overboard.” The captain warned with her hazel eyes narrowing down at the official’s still amicable face.

“I don’t mock. I express concern. I am happy to see that you are alive…and well. Nothing more. Nothing less.” Terak assured with a finger under his chin while Zoe relaxed her posture.

“Enough of your talk chancellor. We are going to retrieve what remains of our supplies in the wreckage of our airship. And then we depart for Fire Mountain.” Azula declared in an authoritative voice as she gazed at the two.

The official’s eyes gleamed in curiosity after hearing that they needed to retrieve supplies.

If only because it was a strange thing to say.

Given that the princess would have no need to scour for supplies when she simply could order more.

But even so. It was not his place to question the princess.

At least not openly.

“As you command princess.” The chancellor replied in a bow while the royal woman gazed at him with a gratified countenance. About an hour later.

The downed airship rested upside down in the distance.

Before it stood a team of soldiers pulling supplies from the wreckage.

Azula stood with a large book in her hand just as she gazed down at it with a spark of relief in her golden eyes.

Just why was it that she was so relieved to discover that Elle’s artbook had survived the fire?

Even she couldn’t truly say.

But as she flipped the book open, she found herself unable to fight the barest traces of a pink blush on her cheeks.

It was a darling sketch of her sitting on her throne.

Her right arm was resting on the sides of the golden throne.

And sleeping at the foot of her throne was her pretty handmaid.

The girl slept with her head upon her robed thigh while her left hand remained planted in her serving girl’s golden hair.

Without even realizing she began twirling a fingernail in her hair while her full lip pursed into a fond smile.

It was only when she heard footsteps approaching behind her that she slammed the book shut while she instantly tried her best to harden her facial expression.

She turned around to find herself staring down at her pilot now bowing before her boots.

“Princess! I came to report that we are all finished.” Nako informed in a voice of profound respect while she bowed with her face in the barren ravine ground.

“Good. Stand Nako. I want you to take a walk with me.” Azula ordered with her hands falling to her sides while she discreetly hid the artbook from the pilot’s view.

“Eh? A walk?” The royal pilot asked as she arose with her golden eyes blinking in confusion only to find herself gulping when the taller woman glared down at her.

“Are you defying me Nako?” The princess questioned in a taunting voice as a smirk formed on her lips when the pilot rushed ahead in a panic.

“No, Your Highness! Of course not!” Nako exclaimed just as she hurried after Azula with her hands folded before her.

Never in a million years would she have imagined that she would have earned such an honored place by her Crown Princess’s side.

“In recognition of your actions over the course of this expedition. For the remainder of our trip I have placed your chambers in the same hall as ours.” Azula announced with her cold golden eyes gazing ahead while the pilot almost tripped in disbelief.

The pilot stumbled ahead with her short hair hanging in front of her astonished eyes.

She just couldn’t believe that the princess liked her so much.

“I-I don’t know what to say Your Highness. You honor me.” The royal pilot replied as she bowed at the waist while the royal woman gazed down at her.

“So, I do. I must admit you’ve impressed me with your resourcefulness.” The princess commented with a curt nod while she continued on.

Nako quickly hurried after her princess with a grateful grin on her lips while she gazed up at the taller woman.

Sure, she can be cold.

And sure, she can be cruel.

Just thinking of how Azula brutally killed the rebel leader still sent a shiver down her spine.

But in her experience the princess treated the loyal well.

Others may not think the same. And they are free to do as they see fit.

But as for herself…

She is happy to stand beside Princess Azula.

And with that in mind.

She steeled her nerves while she straightened to meet the royal woman’s stern gaze before she voiced her mind.

“I thank you for your praise princess. May I…make a request of you?” Nako asked in a nervous voice while Azula’s golden eyes flashed in slight surprise.

“Hm. You may speak Nako.” Azula spoke with a trace of curiosity in her strict voice.

If only because it has been nine days since her pilot saved her life in the climb.

And the girl has yet to ask anything of her.

She couldn’t help but wonder what the pilot would ask for.

For the briefest of moments, the pilot found herself hesitating to speak in fear that she was pushing her newfound relations with the monarch too far.

However, for the sake of her family she found the courage to voice the words that were forming in her throat.

“M-my village Your Highness. There…there is a great deal of poverty and…” The royal pilot trailed off in an anxious voice as she averted her eyes from the royal woman’s golden gaze.

“And?” The princess answered as she turned to face the skittish woman’s surprised face.

“There is a food shortage…and people are going hungry. And…the officials overseeing the town refuse to take care of the problem. And…I wanted to ask if you could look into the matter for us.” Nako admitted as she shifted nervously on her feet.

Azula turned to face the other woman with a sliver of something akin to concern in her icy gaze.

Nine days ago, she wouldn’t have even batted an eye over the matter.

And yet after spending nine days with her loyal subjects she found herself feeling a strange compulsion to mend her people’s situation.

It was a curious emotion but she felt it all the same.

“So be it Nako. I will look into it for you.” The princess remarked with a regal nod while she gazed down at the pilot’s overjoyed face.

“T-thank you princess! Truly for everything!” The royal pilot cried out with a cheerful grin while the royal woman sighed alongside her.

“Well at least you are appreciative.” Azula sighed as she clutched her handmaid’s artbook while Nako raced along beside her.

“I really mean it princess. In all my life I have never been so terrified as in these last nine days. And yet you led me through it. You led all of us to safety.” Nako declared in a grateful voice with a relieved smile on her lips.

The princess turned to the pilot with her golden eyes flashing in a taken aback emotion.

There was something about those words that seemed pleasing to her ears.

Was it because her own mother and the rebel soldiers had decried her a monster?

She wasn’t certain.

But she decided…that she was coming to enjoy the feeling of being beloved by her people.

“And I will never forget it. Thank you for your leadership Your Highness.” The royal pilot stated as she bowed her head in respect while the royal woman turned to gaze ahead.

“Hm. You are fortunate to have me Nako. There isn’t anyone that could have done better.” The princess responded with a sophisticated smile returning to her lips as she nodded knowingly.

“No, they couldn’t princess.” Nako agreed with a still present grin as she gazed up at the royal woman in boundless gratitude.

Azula’s lips curved into a regal smirk while she resumed walking alongside her peculiar pilot.

Indeed.

It turns out that there are benefits to being loved after all.

Elle sat in her bed eating a bowl of curry with fried tofu while she smiled as brightly as can be.

The two noblewomen sat at the foot of her bed while they gazed back at her with fondness in their eyes while they themselves ate their own.

“Yum! This is so good.” Elle exclaimed in a jovial voice while Ty Lee grinned back at her.

“I’m glad that you like it little sister. And just as happy that you are alright.” Ty Lee spoke in a tender voice as she spooned out another mouthful.

“I told Azula-sama that there was no need to worry about food. It came to me eventually just like I knew it would.” The blonde-haired girl commented in a sunny voice while the two noblewomen sweatdropped.

Both Mai and Ty Lee knew that if Azula were present that she would surely be making some sort of snide remark right about now.

About twenty minutes later after that.

The acrobat had gotten up to take their dishes back to the kitchen.

The young girl now yawned adorably while the markswoman still sat at her bedside gazing at her with an affectionate eye.

“Oneesan?” Elle asked in a sleepy voice while Mai tilted her head attentively.

“Hm?” Mai responded as she gazed at the girl laying against her pillow.

“Would you snuggle with me?” The blonde-haired girl requested in a gentle voice while the noblewoman nodded in agreement.

“If it will make you happy kid. Sure.” The markswoman agreed in a sigh before she scooted up on the bed just as she lay down beside the serving girl.

And then she offered the younger girl a small smile while she pulled the petite girl into a protective hug.

The aloof woman lay back with something akin to a fondness in her tawny gaze while she gazed down at the younger girl curling up into her chest.

“I love you oneesan.” Elle spoke in a tired voice with her eyes closing against Mai’s chest while the older woman put an arm around her back.

“I love you too Elle. We all do.” Mai stated with a sisterly smile on her lips while she held the smaller girl against her robed bosom.

And soon enough…

The sound of quiet snoring emanated from Mai’s chest while she gazed down with softening tawny eyes just as she slid another arm around the serving girl’s back.

Come to think of it.

A nap sounded welcoming.

Thirty minutes later the noblewoman slept with the snoring teenager in her arms while her two friends stared on from the middle of the doorway.

The acrobat giggled softly while she turned to grin back at the princess’s jealous scowl before she quietly closed the door behind them.

“That was so cute Azula.” Ty Lee stated with another giggle while Azula glared at her through the corner of her eye.

“No Ty Lee. It is not.” Azula snorted as she walked ahead of her smiling childhood friend.

“It is and you know it. I am so happy that she is alive and well Azula…” The brown-haired woman spoke in a softer voice with her brown-gray eyes turning to meet the other woman’s prideful golden gaze.

The royal woman turned away with her golden eyes glaring at the nearest wall while her pointed boots walked down the hall of the royal barge.

“I confess that it pleases me as well.” The princess grumbled in a proud voice with her fingertips curling around her toned bicep.

The acrobat smiled warmly back at her unsocial friend.

There was no doubt about it.

Azula has really fallen in love with gentle Elle.

And it was the sweetest thing that she has ever seen!

“What ever would I do without my royal cherry picker?” Azula sighed with a shake of her head while the other woman grinned back at her.

And then she walked ahead of her friend with a refined smile returning to her full lips.

Indeed.

Just what would she do without her little tiger monkey?

#Azula #avatar the last airbender fanfiction #yuri #ty lee avatar #mai avatar

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centuryofdean · 4 years

Text

When Lightning Strikes - Chapter 3

Author Disclaimer:: The Hobbit, Middle Earth and its characters are not mine. I take no credit. The story line and even some dialogue–also not mine. Instead I claim my Original Character Laurel and the adjustments to the story line.

Summary:: From when Laurel Took was small she dreamed of a man. Every time she dreamed of him, he could not see or hear her. Over time they are able to communicate–but he’s been dreaming about her too. Finally after years of anticipation Laurel takes the leap and kisses him. Only for her to wake up and dread the real world. Then lightning strikes and she finds herself in a familiar place, with a familiar face.

Rated:: M for Mature. Please do not read this story unless you are 18+ At this point in the story there isn’t much, but later on the M rating will come into effect.

Warnings:: Language and Violence

Pairing:: Kili x OC (Laurel)

Kili

"Wake up Kili, it is time to leave The Shire."

No matter how hard I tried to hold onto the dream, sleep would not find me and bless my wish. Fili sat at the edge of the couch we were sharing for the night, pressing into my legs to wake me.

Laurel.

As always her face was a blur but the ache in my chest that went to sleep with me awoke with me; this time with vigor. It was surprising I woke this time with a smirk.

She actually kissed me.

The memory was still fresh in my mind, almost as if I could still feel her soft sweet lips upon mine. Sometimes I wondered if it were only just dreams. She speaks of how I am merely just an imagination, and everything I do and say is her wishes. If it were truly that way, which we are creating an image of each other, who is to say that she is not just an imagination of my mind? That would simply be unfair. If it were my choice, I would have not had her run from me. We would have been embracing and sharing kisses much sooner.

Not on the last dream I would ever share with her.

"What of Bilbo," Fili asked, grabbing his weapons and rising to leave. I followed his lead, placing two daggers in my belt and boot and grabbing my arrows and bow.

"All we can do is leave the contract. If he wishes to accompany us, he will find us," Thorin replied.

Together the lot of us rose and left the hobbit's home and quietly as we could. It was not my first time meeting a hobbit, though after I met Bilbo, the similarities between him and Laurel were strong. The greed I felt to see her again was almost stronger of that of the need of this quest.

Just outside The Shire we met a farmer with ponies for hire. Gandalf took lead on his stead and we were off on our quest.

Fili rode in the last of the line of ponies with me. Out of the thirteen dwarves, Fili and I were the youngest. For most of our lives we were raised by Mother, father had passed in battle with Orcs. Uncle Thorin was around for much of our childhood. We were told of the tales of our people and how our home was stolen from us by the fire drake Smaug.

It was only a few months ago that he approached my brother and myself, declaring that he, Thorin, son of Thrain, son of Thror, was going to take back the Lonely Mountain. We promised Mother we would return as princes of Erebor and bring her home.

"Did you see her in your sleep again Brother," Fili asked softly.

For twenty years, I dreamed of Laurel. I do not know how old she was when I started dreaming of her, but she was very small. Most the dreams I had were of her, doing something ordinary such as chasing butterflies and sliding down snow covered hills on a piece of colored wood of sorts. I watched as she attended a ceremony were all the humans cried and spoke of a man.

Each of these dreams she was unable to see or hear me. It was as if I were invisible.

There were dreams where Laurel was barely clothed, only small pieces covering her. These dreams I had to focus my attention on other things. It was not until she was matured into a woman that I encountered her in a dream, where she could see me and speak to me.

I was amused that she was hunting a deer to feast upon.

From that one encounter, we discovered that each of us dreamed of the other. This encounter led to similar dreams of no talking, but after a while we were able to speak again.

These times in dreams where I could talk to her, understand her and where she comes from, were some of my favorite times. The world that she lived in was one very different than Middle Earth. Each of us had our own questions, very confused of one another.

Over time I came to care for the russet haired maiden. Often times in my dreams I allowed myself the pleasure of braiding her locks and caressing her skin. When I looked into her pine colored eyes, it was if I were already home.

"Yes, I dreamed very fondly of her," I murmured, "though I am afraid it may be the last."

A chuckle came from my brother, "It may not. This journey will be long and eventually you will see her again. I am afraid that I am jealous of your maiden that does not exist."

"Laurel is a true beauty indeed," I murmured dejectedly, trying to hold onto the last traces of her face that floated in my mind.

"Why do you sound upset," Fili asked earnestly.

"I think she is a Hobbit," I muttered.

This brought a hearty chuckle from the blonde warrior.

Bilbo found his way to us, joining the company and continuing on our journey. Once given a pony, the poor fellow already tried to turn back around for a hanky. To say in the least this burglar was not much of an assistance to the quest. He spoke often about how he missed his Hobbit hole and the warm food he often ate on a regular basis. If anything he was more of a bother with his consistent complaining.

All of it made me more irritable due to the lack of sleep that uncle kept us on. Most of the time we were lucky to sleep for a few hours, he wanted to get to the mountain as soon as possible. Though I fully agreed, I wanted to sleep and try to see Laurel once more.

After seven days of travel with no real rest, the company set Thorin straight. Came nightfall the lot of us were camped out with a fire, a nice warm meal, and promised a full nights worth of sleep.

"Kili," uncle approached me, "take first watch. In a few hours we will have Fili switch with you so that you can rest as well."

"Yes uncle. I will wake the company if I hear or see of anything suspicious."

The hill that we found had a pleasant flat bottom to the south that we placed camp in. It also provided for a great vantage point to see from all angles anything that would try to sneak up on us.

I used the time of peace to reflect on the last time I slept and saw her. The ache in my chest returned at the thought, the last I can remember of her face is her pine eyes, everything else blurred into her silhouette. She was so scared of… me. If it were really only just a dream, she was not real, then why would I dream of her fear? I would dream of her desire for me! The fact itself was even more frustrating than Bilbo's complaining. There has to be more than just a coincidence that I dream of the same woman all these years.

The more I concentrated on trying to envision her face, the sleepier I became. Shortly I felt the drags of tiredness pull me into a soft sleep.

Covered in odd greens and blues, she was walking across sand. The green clothing she wore covered her head and hair. Blue waves crashed against the shore, water tickling her boot covered feet. This was one of the few times she was actually wearing boots.

I even felt the cold of winter's chill.

Happiness filled me, I had gotten my wish to see her again. It was not as exciting to know that this was not a time of meeting, but I could gaze upon her once more.

When she strode forward, I followed. Not much of anything was happening, it seemed that the walking continued on forever. Suddenly it started to rain. As if I were there, I could feel the cold pelting drops. It did not take long for them to become heavier and more furious. When the quake of thunder exploded around her she turned and started to walk the way she had come.

The water just on the other side of her lit up with the lightning of the sky. Laurel started to run.

I myself was running just so that I would not lose her. The sight of her face was already swallowed by the rain.

Lightning struck, blindingly, just in front of her. Fear grasped my heart.

"Laurel!" My voice was horse and booming, but fell upon deaf ears, almost deaf to my own if it weren't for the crack of thunder.

She turned to escape the danger, only to be pushed forward into it instead.

A loud crack of thunder awoken me with a gasp.

Laurel, she fell into electrifying lightning.

I looked up into the night sky instinctively to gaze at the storm here.

Something was falling through the air. Was it a bird? As it started to gain momentum the closer it got, I could see it was not a bird at all. It was something much larger. It was coming right for me actually.

With a start I jumped, reckless as I was, holding my arms out ready to catch the oddity.

The force of the drop and thing brought me to my knees, grunting at the impact. With all the gentleness I could bestow I rolled the object into the ground to inspect it.

A familiar ache burst through my chest as I saw a familiar woman. Wearing a worn green short tunic of various hues, and dark blue pants, she was soaked to the bone. Just as I pushed back the hood of her clothing, her russet hair tumbled out. The short breath was stuck in my throat.

Laurel?

"Fili," my voice bellowed across the valley.

My hands grasped her face, pulling her head into my lap. How could this be happening? Falling into lightning takes you to another world? Voices were vaguely heard coming up the hill. Was she even alive? I lowered my head to her mouth, listening for her breath. A faint inhale and exhale could be heard. Excitement started to bubble up within me.

"Kili, what is it," Fili asked kneeling down next to me.

A gasp left me, "She fell from the sky."

"She's soaked to the bone, we better find a dry space and start a fire for her to warm up," he whispered urgently. "Do you have her? I'll go start the fire."

Her weight was so light, I feared for her health as I carried her down the hill. Gandalf was persuading a fire to life under a cliff where the rain was not so heavy. With some of his powers he allowed a small bubble of clear air. I laid her gently against the ground, and then placed myself behind her with her head against my legs once more. Russet locks were soaked as well, causing me to run my fingers through them.

"Where did she come from," Gandalf asked.

"Quite literally out of the sky," I murmured. "I looked up and she was falling, right into my arms."

"We cannot let this halt our journey," Thorin muttered as he strode towards all the commotion.

A grunt of sorts escaped me. They would have to have a dragon breathe it's flames of death upon me before I will leave without her. "Uncle," I muttered, "we cannot just leave her in this condition. I will not leave her side."

Thorin crouched down to get a better look at her. Instinctively I wrapped an arm around her waist to pull her closer. Even if I did not want it to happen, there is always one being in this world that could stand between her and me, would be him.

"I know who she is," I muttered.

"If she is one of your whores—"

"Never," I growled, "she is of another world…"

Previous Chapter << Chapter 2: Waking Up

Next Chapter >> Chapter 4: Bigger Foes Bring Harder Woes

#the hobbit #the hobbit fanfiction #the hobbit fanfic #kili durin #kili x reader #kili x oc #when lightning strikes #fanfiction

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shreyamistry · 5 years

Text

Loveshed on the Battlefield - Kenna x Annelyse

Pairing: Kenna x Annelyse

Prompt: “I would honestly die before I let anything happen to you.”

Word Count: 1.9k+

Summary: The battle against Azura ends differently for Kenna and Annelyse, altering the entirety of their lives and relationship. While their worlds crumble, they have to deal with the aftermath of emotions.

A/N: @glowinghelena (-: protect your heart !

Thanks for reading! Hope you like it!

* * * * * * * *

Annelyse lays on a lone mattress inside the medical wing of the castle, her body limp and lifeless in her private room away from the mass medical area. Her thick black hair lay messy and dirty on her pillow, her skin dangerously pale, and her breathing shallow enough to think she wasn’t. The battle won, but every win comes with a price and Annelyse bore the price on her shoulders. Her gold dress and accessories traded out for a simple nightgown still flush with gold coloring.

Kenna sits on the edge of the mattress, her hands buried in her face with tears etched onto her cheeks staining her skin with the pain she’s felt the past for nights since they’ve won the war. People cheered in the street for their win, while those close to Annelyse mourned and cried. Raydan nearly impossible to find and the warriors of the queen’s homeland lingering in the wake of the accident unable to bring themselves to leave their queen and report the sorrow news. Kenna brushes her hair out of her face turning to look at Annelyse, her face slacked and unmoving leaving a bitter taste in her mouth.

Kenna can’t pry her eyes away hoping every second Annelyse will wake up her eyes noticing the caked-on dirt from the war, remembering Annelyse on the forefront when all hells broke loose before slipping away with soldiers to bring them to the infirmary. She’d trade everything in the world to be in that moment, spare Azura, concede, anything to get her to save Annelyse’s life as she’s seen her do before. Suddenly feeling swollen with rage at the thought of Annelyse saving lives only to come to the edge of perishing in battle, she pushes herself out of the bed marching into the hall to find the first servant she could.

“You there!” She yells taking in the sight of a young man with brown hair and tanned skin, “Why hasn’t Annelyse been properly cared for? What reason is there for her face being dirty and her hair starting to matt and tangle?” Kenna folds her arms over her chest, her statue tall and resilient against the emotions stirring in her chest.

The young man begins to explain, “Whitlock-”

“I don’t want your excuse, bring me a washcloth and her favorite brush.” Kenna demands, “In the small box in my room, she left it with me before the battle.“ Guilt swell inside her, glancing down at the floor.

“My queen, I urge you to hear me-”

“I gave you an order.” Kenna throws her hands in the air leveling a glare at the young man before her, who shakes with fear. “When she wakes up and realizes herself to be dirty that will cause more distress than almost dying.”

“Yes, my queen.” The man nods, turning to rush down the corridor towards the main part of the castle. Kenna takes a deep breath, before turning around and marching back into the room in which Annelyse rested. Leaving the beautifully trimmed architecture behind while the man fetched her belongings.

Kenna waits a few moments before footsteps are heard outside the room, the rapping off knocks on the door before someone pushes the door open. Her mechawolf pup rounding into the room with excitement, running in circles yelling for Kenna happily. Kenna turns her attention to Whitlock who carries a bucket of water with the other supplies Kenna asked for a solemn look gracing his features. The pup brushes against Kenna’s leg before scattering under the bed his eye caught by something underneath.

“Whitlock, I care not for a lecture. Please.” Kenna traces her hand down Annelyse’s shoulder taking in the state of her lover yet again. She fights with memories and emotions that try to grip her and take control of her mind. She needed to stay within reason, push them away, and be there for her love while she could.

“Kenna, I know you’re hurting,” he says stepping into the room closing the door behind him, “But yelling at those helping Annelyse will not wake her up faster.” He places the bucket and the towel with her brush wrapped inside on the table near the door. He unwraps the brush, before placing the cloth towel into the bucket.

“Blue Lady, why is she sleeping?” Sparky asks from the floor, his face flooding with curiosity.

“Not now,” Kenna says to the wolf patting his head, “Whitlock, I wouldn’t need to lash out if her face wasn’t dirty. You all need to treat her like a queen and care for her the way she did for us.” Kenna’s tone defensive even though there were no reason for her to act that way, the event leaving Kenna lost and confused constantly.

“Kenna we all cared for Annelyse and still do, stop shutting yourself away. Have you even considered what will happen if she doesn’t wake up?” Whitlock asks, “With respect my queen, this isn’t you. I know you’re frightened by the possibility, but let us help you and be here for you. You couldn’t have changed the outcome.”

“I-”

“Kenna, you couldn’t.” Whitlock steps to her. “You did everything you could for Annelyse. Now let us do everything we can for her and for you.” Whitlock approaches her with the wet washcloth, her slick with wet tears threatening to spill, her lips parting to find words that never come. He brushes the cloth over Kenna’s face, cleaning her own dirty face and wiping away some of the dried tears. Instead of thanking him, she wraps her arms around Whitlock smaller frame crying into his chest. Whitlock stiffens at first, before holding her back his mind flooding with thoughts of Hex and how he felt when he thought he lost her and knew he should comfort her the way he wished he was. He rubbed her back as the mechawolf pup jumps onto the bed brushes against Kenna’s body digging his face into the embrace to coat her face with sweet kisses.

Kenna absently strokes him with one hand, the other arm holding tightly onto Whitlock, her mind falling back to the fateful night three days ago that has left Annelyse on a constant brink of life or death. Her body stiffening as the thoughts overwhelm her, throwing her into the memory without letting her look away consuming her no longer being able to run from the horrid memory.

Kenna stands with her blade in her hand, blood running down her lip looking directly Azura. Her eyes wicked with hate and pride as she pushes Kenna to her breaking point, the warrior queen still had fight in her, but she felt no match for Azura in the moment. Kenna huffs and puffs, her breath heavy in her chest as she watches the lightning queen snicker at her, how she couldn’t wait to wipe that look from her face.

“Well, Kenna Rys, are you done?” she draws her hand back building up energy inside her fist. “Or would you like me to end your life?”

“I will never concede to you, witch.” Kenna growls, before spitting her blood onto the ground, tightening her grip of the blade that Annelyse gave her back in Annelyse’s home when they rushed in to stop dragon Dom. “You will never have your hands on the Five Kingdoms as long as I breathe.”

“Then, let’s put an end to your breathing.” Azura smiles. She moves to let loose her electricity when a blade connects with her back pushing through her body her hands instantly moving to the wound as she crumples onto the floor her eyes burning with hatred. “What?” Blood spills from the wounds as she touches the blade in her side.

“Annelyse?!” Kenna yells, Annelyse stands with blood on her skin as she draws the ornate blade from the lightning Queen’s body, dropping the blade onto the floor her mouth opened in shock looking to Kenna and back at the dying woman. Light erupts from the queen as Kenna yells, “Annelyse!” Dashing forward to protect her, put herself between Annelyse and the lightning Queen’s wrath. The blow, however, strikes too late. A small dagger controlled by the lightning queen’s magic plunges into Annelyse’s stomach before clattering to the floor with a metallic clink splattering red blood onto the floor as it comes to rest. Blood flowing freely from her wound, Annelyse crying out in pain her eyes glossing over. Annelyse doesn’t have time to register the blow completely before Azura’s magic engulfs her, Annelyse flies into the wall her body smashing against the brick with intense force as Azura holds her wound in one hand the other towards her Annelyse. Annelyse screams in agony as she falls onto the floor trying to push herself up to no avail.

“Your beloved will fall with me.” Azura gasps, “You will not win without the same lose as I have suffered. You can steal my daughter, my home, and all I have fought to preserve. If only you had joined me, Lady Kenna.”

Kenna rushes her, her blade drawn striking Azura with a final blow, her body falling limp to the floor pooling her corpse with her fresh blood. Kenna rushes past the avenged queen, rushing to Annelyse’s side, instantly taking the wounded woman into her arms, her tears sting her eyes as she looks down at her form. “Annelyse, why?”

“I would honestly die before I let anything happen to you, Kenna.” Her frail voice shattered Kenna’s heart in her chest, trying to hold back the tears that continue to burn in her eyes. She takes Annelyse’s hand kissing her kiss. “Kenna, I don’t have much time.”

“Annelyse,” Kenna sobs her hands tightening around her body, her skin purple with bruises from impact against the brick wall and her hold weak against Kenna’s hand, tears linger in Annelyse’s eyes as well. “You...I... Annelyse…Please don’t say that, someone will come and we will heal you.”

“The safety of The Five Kingdoms and you mattered more, my love,” Annelyse coughs, “Tell ...tell Raydan he is to watch over our home. My last wish as queen of Aurelia.”

“Annelyse,” Kenna gaps, “It won’t be your last.” She rests her forehead against Annelyse’s own, stroking her cheek with one hand. The tears roll down her cheeks as she leans down kisses Annelyse on the lips, her movements gentle against her injured lover. Annelyse kisses her back with the final ounce of strength she could muster, her hand still holding Kenna’s tightly as she could. “Please don’t leave me. I can’t lose you Annelyse, this war will mean nothing without you beside me.”

“I love you, Kenna.”

“Annelyse? Annelyse?! ANNELYSE?!” Her hands shake Annelyse’s shoulder earning her no response, her tears falling loosely as she holds her body close to her. “HELP! SOMEONE! HELP!” She musters her weak strength to help her brace Annelyse’s weight in her arms, her body heavy with soreness from the battle with queen moving out of the throne room to find her people. “HELP!” Her cries going unheard as she runs with Annelyse’s body to find help.

Kenna gasps the memory leaving her as she holds tightly onto Whitlock still, Sparky in her arms nuzzling against her face to comfort her. Her heart falling in her chest, taking a look at Annelyse’s form on the bed, her chest rising and falling with shallow breaths. Wake up Annelyse, wake up.

#annelyse adair #kenna rys #kenna x annelyse #playchoices #the crown and the flame #tcatf #annelyse x kenna #my writing #the antoni to my tan #y'all wanted a twist !#i would honestly die before i let anything happen to you and then she maybe died ! wig !#prompt #request

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dukereviewsmovies · 5 years

Text

Duke Reviews: The Haunted Mansion

Welcome, Foolish Mortals To Our Final Monsterween Review Of The Year (Evil Laughter)

I Am Your Host, Your Ghost Host...Okay, I Am Not Going To Do Haunted Mansion Dialogue Throughout This Entire Review But I Think It's Obvious What We're Doing Today...

With The Mansion's 50th Anniversary Happening Earlier This Year, I Thought Now Might A Good Time To Look Back At The 2003 Film, Which Sees A Real Estate Agent (Played By Eddie Murphy) And His Family Being Summoned To A Manor In Louisiana To Try To Sell The Mansion At The Owner's Behest, But Discovering That The Mansion Is Haunted And That The Owner And His Staff Are Dead, It Leads To Wacky Shenanigans Where The Real Estate Agent Learns A Valuable Lesson About Neglecting His Family...

Will The Real Estate Agent And His Family Escape?

Let's Find Out As We Watch, The Haunted Mansion...

The Film Starts With The Same Introduction As The Ride And As The Credits Roll We Get Some Fantastic Scenes Of The Backstory Of The Movie And The Costumes In This Scene Are Just Well-Done...

I Would Tell You About The Backstory In This Scene But They Go Over It Later In The Movie So, I'll Just Go Over It Then..?

But Fast Forwarding A Few Years Later We See A Paper Boy Arriving At The Gate Only To Be Scared By What Appears To Be Terrence Stamp's Character...

Fun Fact About The Film: The Director Who Directed The Film, Rob Minkoff Chose His Son To Play The Paper Boy In This Scene...

With The Camera Panning Down We Get Our First Image Of Eddie Murphy And His Wife (Played By Marsha Thompson) But Mainly Our First Image Of Eddie Murphy As He's In The Next Scene...

Murphy Plays Jim Evers Of Evers And Evers Real Estate Who's Trying To Sell A House To Rachael Harris And...

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Only For Doyle! To Say That The Place Doesn't Have Enough Plugs...

But With Jim Pulling A Trick On The Phone While Talking With His Wife About Their Anniversary Dinner, Harris And Doyle! Decide To Buy The House...

Later At The Bombay Bicycle Club, Jim Closes A Deal With A Couple That Is Very Annoying And That Is Probably The Only Complaint That I Will Have About This Movie...

After Leaving The Annoying Couple To Have Their Drinks, Another Couple At The Bar Asks Jim If He Sold Their House Because If He Did They'd Be Interested In Buying...

So, In Talking With The Couple, Jim Misses His Anniversary Dinner...

Attempting To Make It Up To His Wife, Sarah By Giving Her A Teddy Bear...

Least It's Better Than A Gigantic Bunny Rabbit...Tony?

And A New Watch But She's Still Mad At Him Not For Missing Their Anniversary But For Missing 3 Soccer Games, 2 Birthdays And 2 Barbeques...

I Admit Sarah That The Birthday Parties And Soccer Games Are Important But The 2 Barbeques Are Nothing And Can Be Done Another Time...

Realizing That He's Missed A lot, Jim Decides To Take His Family On A Weekend Adventure To The Lake...

Going To Tell Their Kids, Michael (Who Is At The Moment Afraid Of A Spider On His Window) And Megan (Who Ends Up Killing The Spider) About The Vacation They Seem Excited But When Sarah Gets A Phone Call From Someone Who Wants To Sell Their House, Jim Looks At The Address And Realizes That The Place Is A Big Mansion...

So, They Decide To Put Their Vacation On Hold To Check Out This One House. Arriving At The Mansion, They Park At The Gate Only To Discover It's Locked...

But What's More Interesting Is That The Lock Is Shaped Like Either Mickey Mouse Or Winnie The Pooh, Me? I Say It's Mickey But It Looks Like Either One...

With The Gate Unlocking, The Evers Drive Up To The House And Look Around Only To See A Gigantic Graveyard And I Mean Gigantic, It Looks Like It Could Go On For Miles...

But When It Starts Raining The Evers Seek Shelter Inside Of The Mansion To Which They Succeed As The Door Opens To Reveal A Well-Designed Foyer, Everything About The Mansion In This Movie Is Just Well Designed And Frankly I Wouldn't Mind Living There...

Hearing A Door Creek, Lightning Strikes Which Leads To The Introduction Of Ramsley The Butler (Played By General Zod Himself, Terrence Stamp) And Yes, A lot Of People Including The Nostalgia Critic Have Made Fun Of Stamp's Voice In The Film But I Think It's Just Spooky And The Way His Face Looks In The Film, I Don't Know What They Used Makeup Or CG But I Absolutely Love It...

With "The Master" Wanting To Discuss Things Over Dinner, Sarah And The Kids Are Hesitant At First But Jim Tells Them That They Shouldn't Be Rude And Just Go With The Flow...

And Entering The Dining Room, It's Just...

Damn, Murphy Beat Me To It...

Taking A Look Around The Room, They Eventually Meet "The Master", Master Edward Gracey To Be Exact (Played By Nathaniel Parker, Who Is Probably Known For The Inspector Lynley Mysteries) Who Joins Them For Dinner However As They Talk Ramsley Tells Them That The Storm Outside Has Flooded The Road And There'll Be No Leaving The Mansion Tonight...

With Sarah And The Kids Mad Over This Happening, Ramsley Shows Them To Their Rooms, Which Leads To Sarah Taking It Out On Jim Because He Had To Come To The Mansion Instead Of Going On Vacation With Them...

But As Sarah Locks Herself In The Bathroom, Ramsley Visits Jim To Tell Him That Gracey Wants To See Him In The Library. Taking Jim Downstairs We See This Massive Library, Not Beauty And The Beast Massive Library Of Congress Massive But Still It's Pretty Big...

Offering Jim A Drink, Jim Asks Ramsley A Number A Questions Before Ramsley Tells Jim That His Master Is Not Well And Must Move On Or He Fears The Very Worst Which Sounds Like Gracey Must Move On Or His Spirit Will End Up In Limbo Forever...

With Ramsley Eventually Leaving, It Leads To One Of My Favorite Lines From Eddie Murphy In This Movie, Before He Finds A Statue That Opens Up The Secret Entrance To The Batcave!...

To The Batpoles, Robin!...

No, I'm Just Kidding But It Is A Secret Room...

Meanwhile, Michael Opens Up A Music Box Which Has Gracey And Elizabeth Dancing Which Causes A Ghost Ball To Appear...

With Megan Seeing It, Both Her And Michael Decide To Follow It...

Looking For Jim, Sarah Runs Into Ramsley Who Tells Her That He Left Him In The Library, Finding Gracey There Instead Of Jim, Where She Asks Him Why He Would Want To Sell The Mansion Which Leads Him To Explain That It's Because That The Mansion's Walls Are Filled With Painful Memories...

Which Then Leads Gracey To Explain To Sarah Why Telling Her That Despite This House Once Being Filled With Dancing, Laughter And Hope It All Changed When He Met A Girl Named Elizabeth...

Still Following The Ghost Ball, Michael And Megan Discover A Hidden Elevator And Decide To Follow The Ghost Ball Up To The Attic...

While Jim Ends Up In A Hallway That's A Mixture Of The Hallway With The Shapeshifting Portraits And The Busts That Follow You Wherever You Go And The Hallway With The Doors That Knock And Try To Open At You From The Ride Only What Jim Is Dealing With Is Like A Door That's Breathing...

Cutting Back To The Kids And The Ghost Ball, They Go To The Attic Only To Find A Wedding Dress And A Picture Of A Person Who Looks Like Their Mom, But Running Into 2 Servants Named Emma And Ezra (Played By Dina Waters And Wallace Shawn)...

Who Besides Being The Comic Relief In This Film, Explain To The 2 Kids That The Person In The Portrait Is Elizabeth, Before Hiding Them From Ramsley, Who Talks With Them About How The Children Are Missing And About How Mad He Is That Sarah Brought Her Kids And Her Husband With Her...

Saying To Them That If They See The Children To Bring Them To Him, He Leaves Saying That Nothing Will Interphere With The Master's Plan...

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Cutting Back To Jim, He Meets Madame Leota (Played By Jennifer Tilly) Who Tells Him That There Is A Curse On The Mansion And It Seeks To Destroy Him And His Family And How Only The Light Will Lead The Lead The Way Home...

Being Chased By Leota's Musical Instruments, Jim Eventually Loses Them And Reunites With His Kids With Ezra And Emma Who Explain That Sarah Is In Danger As They Show Him The Picture Of Elizabeth...

Cutting Back To Sarah We Get The Backstory On Gracey And Elizabeth, As Gracey Tells Elizabeth That He Loved Her More Than Life Himself But They Were From Different Worlds And Couldn't Be Together. Realizing This, She Poisoned Herself Which Led To Him Hanging Himself (With That Scene Based On The Hanging Skeleton In The Stretching Portrait Gallery)

Hearing The Entire Conversation Between Gracey And Sarah, Jim Is Mad That He Was Only Brought Here So Gracey Could Get "Jiggy" With His Wife And Not To Sell The Mansion. Asking If Sarah Is Elizabeth, Leota Tells Emma That While Elizabeth Walks The Mansion's Halls, She Warns Her Not To Be Deceived As Things Are Not As They Appear To Be...

Telling Them That For The Curse To Be Lifted The Truth Must Be Known, Leota Tells Them To Find Find The Key In The Black Crypt With No Name, But With No Way Out, Emma And Ezra Offer To Take Them To The Graveyard Which Is Just Awesome I Mean This Is Just Fan Service Central...

I Mean We See The Dueling Portrait Ghosts, I Believe The English Ghosts Are There, We Have The Ghosts On The Seesaw, The Cryptkeeper And His Dog Are There But They're Ghosts (Though Originallly They Were Supposed To Be In The Picture With The Cryptkeeper, Played By Of All People Don Knotts), We Have The Executioner And The Headless Knight There And Finally One Of My Personal Favorites...

The Hitchhiking Ghosts...

All While We Get A Shaymalan Reference...

Taking Elizabeth To The Attic, Gracey Shows Sarah Elizabeth's Wedding Dress While Jim Meets My Other Personal Favorites The Singing Busts...

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I Know A lot Of People Find This Scene Annoying But I'm Sorry I Love This Scene I Can't Help But Laugh At It...

Eventually Finding The Mausoleum, Jim Goes Down Only For Megan To Follow Despite Leaving Michael Upstairs Because Of Course He's Too Scared...

Finding The Black Crypt I Half Expect Someone To Go "Let Me Out! Let Me Out!" But Instead They Open Up The Tomb And Grab The Key. But Instead Of Closing The Tomb Like A Smart Person Would They Leave It Open So A Zombie Can Come To Life To Get Them...

Losing The Key, Megan Goes Down In The Water To Find It While Jim Finishes Off The Zombie Only To Wake Up Another Million...

Though I Will Say That These Zombies And Most Of The Ghosts Were Very Well Made Up By Rick Baker To The Point That If Anyone Deserves To Be Called The Master It's Him...

Eventually Finding The Key, Jim Gets Megan Up On The Bridge Before The Zombies Can Eat Her So They Can Go Upstairs, But Before They Get Out The Door Shuts On Them And Locks Them In, Leaving It Up To Michael To Save Them Only Problem Is That There Are Millions Of Spiders On The Door...

Realizing That He Has To Face His Fears To Save His Father And His Sister, Michael Does Just In The Nick Of Time. Taking The Key To Leota, She Tells Jim To Find The Trunk Which Pisses Him Off To The Point That He Carries Leota Off With Him To Find It As He's Tired Of Playing Games...

Taking Him Up To The Attic, They Find The Trunk And Discover A Letter From Elizabeth That Reveals That Elizabeth Had No Intention Of Killing Herself But Instead Wanted To Be With Gracey To Which Ramsley Reveals Himself As The Culprit...

Asking Ramsley Why He Killed Her, Ramsley Tells Him That It Was Because Gracey Wouldn't Listen To Reason And That Despite Having Despite Having Everything In The World He Was Going To Just Throw It Away For Love...

Stating That Running Away With Elizabeth Would Have Destroyed The Mansion And Everyone Around It, Jim Decides To Tell Gracey Everything, But Ramsley Has No Intention On Letting That Happen And Instead Places Michael And Megan In A Box While He Throws Jim Out Of The Mansion In A Fall That Should Have Killed Him...

Taking Sarah To The Ballroom, Gracey Reveals In His Own Way To Sarah That He Is His Grandfather That He Was Talking About And That He Believes Her To Be Elizabeth (And While They're Talking During This Scene We See The Dancing Ghosts In The Ballroom In The Ride Appear Here) But Believing Him To Be Crazy, Sarah Runs Off, Returning To Her Room...

Starting To Believe That She's Not Elizabeth, Ramsley Appears To Tell Gracey That To Not Despair For She Will In Time (Despite Her Not Being Elizabeth Being True)

Appearing In Sarah's Room, Ramsley Tells Her That Gracey Is Expecting Her And To Put On Her Wedding Dress, Saying Again That She's Not Elizabeth, Ramsley Tells Her In His Own Way That She Better Act Like Elizabeth Or Else He'll Kill Michael And Megan...

As The Wedding Begins, Jim Tries To Break In But All The Windows Appear To Reform With Every Hit, So Believing That Hope Is Lost, Leota Rolls In To Tell Jim That Even Though He's Made Mistakes It's Never Too Late To Fix Them, So Getting In His Car With Leota, Jim Right Through The Window...

Entering The Foyer, Near The Hallway To The Ballroom Jim Has To Go Through Ghostly Knights To Save Not Just His Kids, But His Wife Too!...

Saving Michael And Megan From The Knights, Jim Enters The Ballroom To Put A Halt On The Ceremony. But Having No Intention Of Losing Elizabeth Again, Jim Tells Gracey The Truth And Gives Him Elizabeth's Real Letter...

Asking Ramsley About This, He Tells Gracey His Reasonings Stating That He Tried To Warn Him But He Wouldn't Listen...

Ramsley Summons Evil Spirits To Make Them...

But Said Spirits Turn On Him, And He Tries To Take Jim To Hell With Him But Luckily Gracey Saves Jim As Ramsley Goes To Hell...

But While Jim Was Saving Michael And Megan, Sarah Drank Some Of The Poison That She Was Supposed To Drink To Marry Gracey And Now It's Taking Effect...

Saying That He Loves Her, The Blue Ghost Ball Approaches Jim And Goes Inside Of Sarah, As A Portal To Heaven Appears Above Which Causes Sarah To Float Like Exorsist (But This Time It's A Good Thing Not A Bad Thing) As It's Revealed That The Ghost Ball Was Elizabeth...

Who Reveals That The The Truth Had To Be Known For Her To Be Released, With Gracey Reunited With Elizabeth, There's Only One Problem Left, What About Sarah? Well, She Doesn't Die And Jim And Her Make Up As Gracey Gives Them The Deed To The Mansion For Them To Do What They Must With It...

With Gracey, Elizabeth, Emma And Ezra Going To Heaven Most Of The Ghosts Seem To Follow Suit Except For Madame Leota And The Singing Busts Who Go Off To Live With The Evers Family Which Ends Our Movie...

But We Do Get A End Credits Scene As Leota Says The Famous "Hurry Back" Line From The Ride...

And That's The Haunted Mansion And...Well...

It Has It's Problems With Story And Characters I Will Admit That But I'm Sorry, I Like This Movie, The Sets Are Fantastic, The Costumes Are Well Done, The Make Up By Rick Baker Is Fantastic, I Know It's Not Enough But Those 3 Reasons Alone Make This Movie Worth Watching I Mean Eddie Murphy, Yes Some Of His Jokes Aren't Funny But That Alone Doesn't Make Him The Worst Thing In This Movie, Jennifer Tilly, Yes, She's No Elenore Audley But Honestly Try Picking An Actor As Good As Elenore Audley To Be Madame Leota, Yes, The Ending Isn't Great, It Looks Like A Damn Pureflix Or Kirk Cameron Movie But I Can Live With It....

The Haunted Mansion Is One Of My Favorite Rides At The Park And I'm Sorry If I'm Not Hating On It As Much As Everyone Else Is But For What It Is I Can Live With This Film...

You Want To See People Hate On This Movie Watch Some Jerk With A Camera's Review With The Horror Guru And Count Jackula On The Film Or The Nostalgia Critic's Review On The Film Both Of Those Are Funny...

youtube

But As For Me, I Say See It...

And That Finishes Off Our October Monsterween For This Year Tune In Next Week For The Beginning Of Our Yultide Reviews, Till Next Time, This Is Duke, Signing Off...

#Disney #the haunted mansion #grim grinning ghosts #phantom manor #Disneyland #Eddie Murphy #Terrance Stamp #wallace shawn #jennifer tilly #Madame Leota #Hitchhiking Ghosts #the hatbox ghost #ghost host #The Singing Busts #Constance The Bride

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beebomeebo · 7 years

Text

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Type: fluff

Request// “do you do anything besides smut? if so, can you do a fluff about a girl who's really depressed because her dad and stepmom are total assholes and brenny walks in on her relapsing and everything is all cute and cuddly bc they cry together and i need to be in a fucking relationship when that happens oml”

(A/N) Ahahahahahah sorry guys for being dead for so long, it has NOT been the best year for me but I'm dedicated to get more stuff done and get my shit together. & omg guys, thank you so much for 400 followers!! I’m sitting here in bed at 3:56 in the morning almost crying because I didn’t think my writing was that likable. Anyways, have a dribble drabble

Warnings: sneaky Bren, crying, the tiniest bit of angst, self-doubt, back talking, slight physical fight as well as verbal, cursing, :) fluffy Bren (: , !!no smut!!

Pairing: Brendon Urie x Reader

Word Count: 2.2K

I finally arrive home after a very long day at school. As I walk through my front door I slightly lower my shoulder so my backpack can slide off and heavily meet the wood floor. I throw my hair into a messy ponytail before slugging myself over to the couch. All I wanted at this moment was a nice nap.

I cross into the main hallway and into the living room. Not even bothering to walk around the couch I flip over from the back of it. Landing face down, the fluffy cushions mold to my body as I reach for a throw pillow to place my head on. Right as I close my eyes I feel my phone vibrate in my back pocket. I groan quietly to myself as I dig it out. Keeping my half my face buried into the pillow I bring the screen to my face to read the text message.

Brendon :)

Hey, how did school go?

Too tired to write a real response I type:

Stupid. Gonna sleep, txt u l8r

I then toss my phone onto the coffee table and melt into the warm couch cushions.

-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-

“Y/N! Y/N!”

I’m abruptly yanked out of my dream. My vision goes from black to hazy to a blur. And as my eyes adjust to my surroundings I feel a soft object collide with my face.

“Y/N! Wake up right now!” I turn to realize that my bitch of a stepmother, Sara, had thrown a pillow at me. “I specifically told you to clean the bathroom and the kitchen when you got home. And what have you been doing for the past two hours?”

I peel myself from the couch and glance over at the clock to notice, indeed, that two hours have passed. “Uh, sleeping?”

Obviously very pissed, Sara mumbles between her teeth, “Worthless child.”

“I’m sorry, what?” I retaliate.

“I said, ‘worthless child.’” She replies, this time slightly louder. “All you do around here is eat our food and sleep. You never do chores, you never do anything for this family.”

“What the fuck do you mean I don’t do anything? I literally just gave your dumbass dog a bath.”

“Do not use that language with me.”

“Or what, Sara? Or fucking what?” My blood begins to boil as Sara’s face turns with anger. With my adrenaline up, I quickly stand to face Sara. I was a good five inches taller so I wasn’t really scared of her. Just as I was about to turn around to retire to my bedroom Sara quickly raises her hand and strikes it across my cheek. I stumble slightly but quickly regain my balance. Now beyond pissed, I shove Sara into the kitchen counter behind her and her back collides with the marble. She falls to the ground clutching her back.

She picks her head up and looks up at me. “Go live with your fucking mother.”

“Fuck you.” I spat and then stormed into my room, making sure to grab my phone from the coffee table.

As I was leaving, Sara shouted, “Nobody loves you, you ungrateful brat.”

I shoved earphones into my head and turned the volume as high as it can go. Then I just lay there in my bed, looking up at my ceiling. My vision becomes blurry as droplets of water develop in my eyes and then disappear down my face as I blink them away. Soon, I can only see blurry before I completely shut my eyes and just weep. A small puddle forms on my pillow where my tears have landed. I try to lose myself in the loud songs that played through my headphones but I couldn’t help replay those words: “Nobody loves you.” It was as if my head was a broken stereo and those words were the only songs that would play.

-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-

I stopped crying about twenty minutes ago and now was blankly staring up at my ceiling, imagining what it would be like if my dad never met Sara.

A whole lot better. I thought to myself.

After a few minutes of creating my perfect life with just my dad- one where he never went to that bar and met Sara- I hear a muffled tapping noise through my blaring music. I quickly sit up to see if it was my dad coming in to yell at me. But my door remained closed and unmoved. Shrugging it off as just my imagination I lay back down but here it again. I jerk myself upright and this time I lower my music volume and take an earbud out.

“Yes?” I say quietly. No response. Then, the tapping noise starts up again, this time a bit louder and aggressive. It catches my attention that the sound was coming from my window. Tap tap tap. Unaware of what was waiting for me on the other side of the glass, I grab my softball bat that I kept in the corner of my room. As I slowly creep toward my purple curtains a faint silhouette starts to appear; as I step closer and closer the figure becomes taller and taller. Fear surges through me like lightning as I become only inches away from the sheer that masked the figure. Tap tap tap. I close my eyes, take the deepest breath my lungs can receive, and gather every ounce of courage that I have. Swiftly unmasking the window, I raise my weapon in anticipation of an attack. The figure becomes recognizable from the tall, dark hair to the sharp line of their jaw. I pause in space as my mind races to attach a name to the face.

“Brendon.” I breathe with relief mixed with surprise.

“Y/N, let me in! And why are you wielding a bat?” The boy says through the glass.

“What are you doing here?” I asked hushed so Sara wouldn’t hear me. Setting the bat against the wall I unlock the window and lift the glass so Brendon can crawl through.

“You weren’t answering my calls and texts and I got worried.” He says to my back as I close the window and pull the curtains over to cover it. I sigh in response.

“I just haven’t been in the mood to talk to anyone,” I say turning around to meet him.

Brendon’s face shifts from soft to concern as his eyebrows furrow and his puffed lips gap open. His stocky fingers gently graze the side of my face that had previously made contact with Sara’s palm. My eyes darted to his shoes. He wore his favorite worn sneakers and I noticed there was still dirt on them from waiting outside the window.

“Don’t tell my Sara did this.” His voice was stern yet soft.

I stayed silent, scared that if I speak my words will catch in the back of my throat. I clench my jaw to pull back tears that were forming.

Brendon cloaks me with his arms as I’m pulled into his chest. My arms wrap around his torso and hold tightly onto him. We stand there for a moment in perfect silence.

“What did Ms. Skank do this time?” Brendon asks gently pulling away from me and pulling me toward the bed to sit down.

I sat on my cross leg next to him as I relive the entire scene, making sure to tell Brendon every moment I could recall.

“’Go live with your mother?’ What kind of person says that type of thing?” He asks with disbelief.

I shrug, staring at my wood floor. “She knew it would hurt me. That’s why she said it.” I feel the similar adrenaline kick as my heart picks up speed. My jaw clenches, my fists close tightly, and my body stiffens as I reply every moment that Sara has made me feel worthless and stupid. Then I think of my mom, how gentle she would be, how understanding. My muscles soften at the memories of her.

Noticing my change in mood, Brendon squeezes my hand and pulls me to his chest. I rest my head on his shoulder and he rubs my arm.

“I miss her so much.” I finally whisper, teardrops hitting Brendon’s leg.

“I know, I know.” He hushes, gently placing a kiss in my hair.

I break away from him. “You know, if I hadn’t gone to that party this never would have happened.” I choked.

“Y/N, don’t blame yourself. This is not your fault.” Brendon’s puppy dog eyes scan my face and I notice that a thin film of water was developing on his bottom lash line.

I break away from his eye contact and lower my head to hide my face. “Sometimes I wish I was with her. Forever.”

Stumbling on his words Brendon chokes, “Please don’t ever say that, Y/N. I need you. You’re the only thing that’s real in this shit hole of a town. If you left I don’t know what I would do.”

I finally gather the strength to look up at Brendon; his eyes were bloodshot and puffy, there were small rivers running down his face and his bottom lip quivered. I crash into his chest and let all my emotions go. All the pain and hurt that I’ve been bottling up pours out of like a waterfall as I clutch onto Brendon. He began sobbing along with me. In that moment, we were both vulnerable. Yet, together, we were strong.

After what felt like ages, the sobbing calms and we’re both just left holding each other. I break away to wipe my smeared makeup off my face but Brendon beats me to it. “I’m sorry for being such an ugly crier,” I whisper into his hand.

“Join the club.” He chuckles and I catch a glimpse of the hairpin curl of his smile.

I smile weakly at his joke.

“Why don’t we get you cleaned up and watch some movies, huh?” He raises and offers his hand.

I nod and accept his hand in mine as he leads me to my bathroom. I blankly stare into my mirror as Brendon turns on the shower. My body feels numb and exhausted from crying and all I can do is stare at my reflection. Noticing my lack of movement Brendon wraps his arms around my waist and rests his head on my shoulder. I hold his strong arms. We make eye contact through the reflection and I become lost in his deep brown eyes.

“You know, you’re the most beautiful girl at school.” He speaks to me. “I was so nervous to speak to you last year. And when you said yes to going on that date- after like, five attempts- I was beyond excited. You make me feel like a kid in a candy shop.” His cheesy words force my cheeks to redden and I try to muffle my laughter. “And you taste just as sweet.” He winks and smiles at his own humor.

I roll my eyes and break away from his grip. “Ok. It’s time for you to leave.” I laugh as I playfully shove him out of the bathroom.

“The way you scream my name is so sexy!” He says quickly before I close the door on him.

“Shut up!” I yell through the door. Once in peace, I grin like an idiot. Stripping my clothes off my body I feel the water and once naked, I step into the steaming chamber. Every muscle relaxes as I lose myself in the water.

-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-

I turn off the shower and step onto my bathmat. The yarn bristles tickle the space in between my toes. I reach for my towel and wrap it around my wet body. Opening the door, I notice Brendon sitting on my bed flipping through Netflix. His attention switches to me.

“Feel better?” He smiles.

“A little,” I answer making my way to my closet.

“Oh, I already got your PJs ready.” He lifts a pile of fabric that was at his side. I smile and take the clothing from him.

We stare at each other for a moment before he gets the idea and turns his back to me. I face my back to him as I let the towel drop to my feet. And quickly slip on the warm, soft fabric. I turn around to a smiling Brendon.

“Were you watching the entire time?” I laugh, chucking the towel at his head, landing on his head and drapes over his face.

“Maybe.” He sings through the towel. “You’re just so sexy.” He chuckles, removing the towel from his face.

I roll my eyes while I take my place next to him. “So, what are we watching?”

“Well, I was thinking either Finding Dory or Minions.” He showcases the most childlike grin.

“Really?” I say sarcastically, “Kid movies?”

“Finding Dory it is!” He pecks my cheek and clicks on the movie title. I roll my eyes as he pulls me to his chest. Shuffling my body, I adjust to cuddle up to him. My arm drapes perfectly around his torso and I feel the steady movements of his breathing. Brendon nestles his face against my hair, planting a kiss on it. “You know I love you, right?”

“Shut up and watch the movie.” I tease.

“Well fuck you, too, then.”

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theindependentjournals · 4 years

Text

Puff, the Magic Dragon

Come one, come all! Gather all ye round my fire-pit, and I will share with you my folklore. The power I feel when I am holding my Magic Wand – my “tobacco” pipe – is unmatched. It seems when I light the sticky green kush that fills the pipe (meant for strictly tobacco use only - of course) and breathe in the fumes, the wind blows harder with more vengeance and the clouds roar until thunder booms and lightning strikes. I then take my horse out of the stable, suit up in black leather boots, hides and cowboy hat and ride through the darkness to the eye of the storm. The power stems from the feeling that I am fitting in, I am doing something that all the cool kids do. Do I think it makes me cooler and a cut above the rest that I use drugs? I believe it does. Especially when I am on them. I feel good. I feel confident and secure in myself. Not that I am not already a little magical when I’m not on drugs. I light up and all the sorcery I have cast appears in front of my bloodshot eyes in the form of a firework show. I see colors and hear music. It’s like a “Saturday in the Park” every day. It’s like trumpets are being blown at the arrival of The Queen to The United States where American Flags are waving triumphantly as her plane touches down. Little trivialities do not concern me. Only America’s and thine own victories are at the forefront of my mind. I drive by all the woman and they smile at me in their Sunday’s best and on their best behavior. I click my heels, tip my hat as they swoon. All is right in the world. There is no bad, but only good. Bad is unbeknownst to me in my little corner of heaven where the flowers bloom and the sky shines blue right on cue.

The first time I found my way into wheeling and dealing with illegal substances, I was 16 and in the eleventh grade. My girlfriends and I made it a thing to spend the weekends together. We would talk about girls, boys, hermaphrodites, make jokes and mess around well into the night. I guess it is just something we preferred to being alone. We knew everything about everyone in our school. We got a hoot out of them. We enjoyed frequenting the cinema and even so lucky to see our favorite musicians in concert. For example, the first movie we went to see together was Blades of Glory with Will Ferrell. As a group, the first movie we watched was Coraline. We would get excited about going to the movies almost every single weekend, so we could be very in the know about up-to-date cinematography. We went to handfuls of concerts, such as Bring Me the Horizon, Mychildren Mybride, Chiodos, A Skylit Drive, Family Force 5, Escape the Fate, and A Day to Remember. Recently I have seen The Cary Brothers, but that is on a-whole-nother level. We went to Roller Derby events, Art in the Park, Hyde Park Street Fair.

The girlfriend I spent a lot of time at school with, due to her being in my homeroom classes, (actually the first person I sort of chilled with in middle school that I saw on the first day of 9th grade) would always speak of her nights of drinking, drug use and intercourse at Monday lunches. She lived in a trailer park with her grandmother and mother. She was upset with her mom because she would not look for work. I would say little, well, what did I do that weekend? Pass out….watch TV….. do my homework….? So it goes, throughout our 9-10 grade year, she would do those things occasionally and in the 11th year she found a reputable provider of alcohol and started drinking more exuberantly. She had a new girlfriend and she didn’t need me as much as before. I found other companionship as well. One of my “other friends” had been caught drinking at a park after dark with her buddies from Meridian Medical Charter and was put on juvenile probation in grade 9 or 10. She had also been drinking at a cabin party where she was in a terrible accident and the vehicle rolled. Luckily, they survived. She was furious with the driver because the driver claimed, “I am fine to drive.” And of course, the driver was Asian. My pal had cut back on alcohol use, but thought she was healed from that trauma enough to divulge once again in a safe environment. She had known I had not used before, but she knew I was interested in tasting what they would always rave on. Sometimes I whined that I never had the opportunity. She would preach safe drinking because she had experienced the effects personally. We waited until my parents went out of town and had the other girlfriend brought us a “half gal.” She says to be careful because when you are young and a beginner, a little goes a long way. They were similar in such respects.

I set the stage. My flat screen is connected to my Dr. Dre, Tech N9ne, Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent booth. The party refreshment I stowed for the week in my closet was busted out and awaiting to be pressed to our lips. The house is clean, catered and decorated to the best of my abilities. I had showered, shaved, and was in my best attire when the guests began to arrive. One of the party-goers had skipped a Band Trip with her Lesbian Lover to attend My Party. (Although she was already a slacker. She played drum line.) I told her it was sure going to be “Crunk” and we would get “Schwasted.” Another one of them was “Big Boobs McGee.” She wouldn’t have come had the lesbian not. She was very picky of who she put her time into. Third, we had “Monotone Melissa Magaret” We were ripe to the pickin’, ready and willing to go all-out to get “Riggity-Riggity-Wrecked!” This was my first time. Each of the guests had indulged in this vice prior. They arrive together, and we decide on doing a round of shots. One round turned into three quite quickly where we begin to slowly fade into the outskirts of intoxication. We knew we were in for some fun at that point. Monotone Melissa thinks she’ll pour a “Screwdriver.”

Turns out, I am rowdy, full of spirits, and don’t know when to stop or what boundaries are. I found myself on a chair in my living room and “Big Boobs” was laying up against me in the recliner with the foot rest up. I think she was there first, but my butt snuck up into the little space she had between her and the armrest. I remember the feeling of elation. I couldn’t stop hitting on her. She told me she wasn’t a lesbian when I told her I was in love with her. At that point I began to cry. I get up and sneak off, when everyone is too drunk to be paying attention, to the alcohol on the counter. I have a habit of getting sad and then chugging straight liquor. I must have cried hard for a half-hour when somebody said “MAN, YOU’VE BEEN CRYING FOR SOME TIME.” I say, “HAVE I, NOW?” I had no memory of this hysterics. There was alcohol spilled all over the floor and counter from my hysterical shot glass attempts and, now there is a full-blood Hispanic in my living room. Next, I find myself deeming this Hispanic “Pablo.” He had a Caucasian sounding name (Like e.g. Jim), but to me he appeared as a “Pablo.” Then, I am out back in the yard. I look to the sky, it is beautiful, as always. Then I tackle the lesbian onto the grass and start smooching her all over. I go inside, fall over, try very hard to get off the floor, but I can’t. “MY BODY FEELS LIKE THAT GUMBY CHARACTER.” No big deal, but I am officially drunk for the first time in my life.

“…..So what we get drunk.. So what we smoke weed….” As everyone begins to awake, they “gotta blast,” but want something greasy to rid their hangovers. They’re thinking Mac D’s. I get a threatening text from the lesbians’ lover that I better never put my hand on her property ever again. “Oh,” I say, “I didn’t mean it. We were just drunk. Of course I don’t have a thing for her, she’s just a good friend!” I was a little scared. She sounded like she meant it. I wake up and I am still drunk. There is about an inch of liquor left and I take another shot because, “Why the hell not!?” At this point I am enjoying the new feelings in my body and I do not wish to revert back to a normal state of dull routine quite yet. I could immediately see how this would be addictive to me. At the time, I did not think into Abuse or Addiction. I just used seldom as I pleased, for the shits & giggles, as in stress-relief. My parents are due home in a few hours. I’m not sure exactly when. I begin to feel scared because I am obviously still drunk or hungover or still drunk. I pray they won’t get home early and will be gone. My parents are both of addictive personalities. I pray they won’t get suspicious when I am asleep in bed and not down to greet them. I greet them anyway although I am still a little drunk. Then I crawl back to my bed and hide away, no questions asked.

At this young age, I am still respectful and obedient of my parents. My conscience does not want to disappoint them. It is funny how much I dread any sort of trouble in fear of punishment from my parents, because when I get in trouble my parents never are actually mad with me. They are angry people and can get nasty but mostly with each other. I thought they would turn that nastiness towards me, but that never happened. They usually shrug, shirk it and go on with their business like, “Oh, that isn’t too bad.” This is hilarious. The very next weekend, my mom decides to move the bed from the guest room into storage. I had forgotten, while drunk that I had put the bottle of the alcohol under that bed. She moves it and the crime I thought I had gotten away with was in view for her. She asks, “What is this?” I tell my girlfriends and we roll on the floor laughing. “Oh, it was my first time,” I say, “I only drank about eh, half the bottle, more or less, between us five.”

Now, I really thought these were nice young woman. Better friends than I could ever imagine actually having. And we bonded over this drug use. It was almost no more to us than an inside joke. We knew we were good. We were impermeable. This drug use would not harm or test our solid sense of inner strength. We knew we had this one life and were going to live it to our fancy. One day, we are over for a chill. One of them walks us to the parkway drive. She’s got a pipe and a baggie. She asks, “Does anyone want to try some of this?” We all agree that it wouldn’t be too bad to just try it. The lesbian lovers were united again and they had already smoked marijuana together before. But again, this was all rather occasionally seldom. We get in a circle and she says it is Spice (K2), a fad at the time that you could buy at tobacco stores!! Otherwise referred to as “Potpourri.” She received it from her brother who was one year older. We roast the bowl and feel funny. My Asian friend pipes up, “My dad is out of town and the house is empty. I didn’t know you guys wanted to get high tonight. We could go back there and relax.” We walk back to retrieve our belongings and my body feels almost made of stone. It is hard to pick up my legs to walk. I exclaim, “I feel like a statue!” I guess it was kind of like walking on the moon. We load in the car and head a short-way east to set up camp. Almost out of a dream, she’s got a table out back with just enough seats. Just like the characters in That 70s Show, we would toke in a circle. This was Pope, so the high was around 15 minutes. But you were extraordinarily high for those 15 minutes. At the comedown, we would just smoke more. It was off the wall, but we all agreed that we enjoyed doing this and were even more pleased our parents hadn’t a clue or they didn’t care to. She tells us, “My dad will be gone the entire week. My girlfriend is staying with me. Why are you smoking that spice and not legit marijuana anyway? I can get us some real weed.” I am all, “Uh, how much does this cost? How much do you need to buy?” She is, “You can get really high off a small amount. We’d probably only need a dime bag to get good and ‘stoney-baloney.’” We agree we will search for real marijuana because the spice only leaves you high for 15 minutes and always a disappointment to comedown. Such a disappointment to come down. So our sessions would last a few hours. Plus, it’s kind of a dirty high. Real marijuana and you were high for two hours.. then you could smoke again or pass out.

“We’ve got the goods!” One of the lesbians creates a “Gravity Bong” for us and tries to explain the mechanics behind how you use it. You dip the Gatorade bottle with holes in the bottom in the bucket of water, then pull up slowly when you torch the bowl, (making sure to only light the side of the bowl as to not waste “greens”) as the smoke fills up the bottle, then you untwist the cap until when you can see the smoke and inhale the vapor. You must blow outward to empty your lungs so they have full capacity when you are breathing in. She says it is the best way to smoke weed and the gravity bong gets you the highest. “Who wants greens? Angela it is your first time, so you can take them. Here, I can light it for you.” My first reaction when breathing in this foreign vapor, is to hack up a lung. My lungs are virgin to the substance and it burns heavily. I can’t take too large of a hit. We start toking before one of my friend shows up. She gets there a little concerned like, “Hey, I can smell that from the front yard. You don’t think your neighbors can smell it? We better move further back.” We feel all philosophical on this drug. We feel our minds bending in our skulls. We feel like we can reach a level we can’t reach intellectually without this drug. We try not to cough and take it like a champ. Our friend keeps saying she’s getting “Scooby Snacks.” (Ew) We become enamored with learning terminology and more about this miraculous little drug. I say what I’m feeling is really a sort of an epiphany. Brilliant things would come to me almost out of nowhere! We have a wonderful time. They even built a fort. The lesbian was practicing rapping the fast part in “Look at Me Now.” The notorious quote from our silly friend arises, “Shall we load another bowl?” To sum up my first time smoking weed, time slows to a stand still and everything becomes hilarious. I felt a sense of safeness and contentness that I was not used to. I had always been a little depressive and anxiety-ridden, but this provided me with a smile.

Melissa’s brother’s friends become known as “dealers,” or that’s what everyone called them at least. My friends would like to refer to him as “Permafried.” Him and his pals would experiment with huffing freon on the weekends when they were fooling around. At school one time, Melissa invited us to her home for lunch. “I usually walk,” She says, “But today, I don’t feel like it.” We get to her house and all is normal. She goes briskly upstairs to her bedroom. I follow her, being curious as I am, and find her with a Coke can with holes poked in it with a thumb tack and she is smoking spice and blowing the smoke out of the window. I say, “Ey, now that is pretty cool that you smoke before class.” She says, “Yeah, but it is just spice so the high doesn’t last long and I’m usually sobered up by the time class gets in session.” I ask if I can take a hit before class, you know, to loosen up a little. School was stressful and we didn’t enjoy high school much. She asks me in our last period how I liked it. We had History 10 together. She sat in front of me. She was right I was not very stoned by the time class started. One time we decided we didn’t like how our history teacher did the lessons. We wrote her an anonymous note saying she was a great person but a crappy teacher and put it on her desk in stealth. Next time, we contact her dealers one lunch. There is a bong on the table outside Melissa’s house. I guess her parents were out of town. We get a bag of OG Kush. Apparently, it’s the hottest weed on the market. I remember thinking it didn’t seem any more special than what I had previously tried. As a beginner, I’d always let someone else take control of the bag and load the bowls and all. Literally, all I had to do was take the pipe, light it, and pass it. I would pitch in to pay instead of buying lunch because of the desire to get high and just eat cereal or something. We light up and I drive us back to school in my mom’s 2007 Toyota Escape Sport-Truck. Now, I am feeling like a complete badass and school doesn’t seem like a chore. “Is anyone else as high as me right now?” I think. My friends tell me, “I know you shouldn’t have tried it because you are going to want to get high all of the time and then I will be disappointed in you.” I’m like, “Stop that chit-chat right now, I am a big girl and I will smoke weed if I please.” My willfulness was beginning to rear its’ ugly head.

A experience I remember, is weekends at Monotone Melissa’s. Her parents roomed downstairs, her upstairs. She had a “TV room.” Sometimes I would play Donkey Kong on her vintage machine. Once we watched The Hills Have Eyes and I about shit my pants. This particular time, she had a sack and I would park my truck around the bend by her house and we’d sneak out to the car with the sack and fill my gravity bong with water bottles we kept in a bag. She told me that she heard you can get higher if you hold in the smoke. I lit me a big fat, yellow hit and held my breath for about 3 minutes. When I went to breathe out, not only was I oxygen deprived, but the weed smoke had already binded to my aioli’s and no weed smoke came out. She said, “HOLY SHIT. THAT WAS A HUGE HIT. YOU DIDN’T EVEN BREATHE OUT.” She asks if we are good. Then we stumble inside. I go lay on the couch and she goes to her room. I grab my IPod with 1400 songs and put on shuffle. I am amazed. I go – I’VE NEVER HEARD MUSIC SOUND THIS GOOD BEFORE. I had all types of music I had never listened to. Shuffle began with “Bear” by The Antlers, then went to some Bombay Bicycle Club. I decided whilst stoned alone I would make a mission to discover music I liked that I had never heard. After school one time we went to an abandoned house and smoked in the backyard. We started getting that paranoia when we thought the man just walking by was out to get us so we had to hurry to hop the fence and leave. We were addicted at this point. Once we were at a party and had no smoke so we tried to smoke cat nip because I read on a forum it gets you high like weed. It got us a little high, but it was not like weed. I remember the first time I drove after smoking weed. We decided to go on a “Space Cruise.” The first thing I say when I put my foot on the accelerator is “I FEEL LIKE I AM OPERATING A ROCKETSHIP!” You are driving the speed limit, but everything around you is moving so slow.. We only find problems with staying in such a small lane. We have to have the co-pilot make sure we are not gravitating towards the other lane. We drove across town and I quickly found that to be my favorite post-toke activity.

We always worry about appearing sketchy, but we never actually come close to getting caught. Well except caught by their mothers. It was very easy to get away with. One of the girls would surprisingly bring a thermos with her weed and pipe and lighter to class every day, just set on her desk like it was water. It was exceptionally hilarious when she would come to after lunch period (Algebra II) stoned. She was Asian. For some reason that escaped us, it was always obvious that she was high. This was before I smoked before classes ever and before I used frequent. It seemed to be 2-3 times a week. And also, surprising the teachers didn’t care. Her eyes were red as the devil and so pronounced. I never really asked if anyone else could tell. But I knew instantaneously. It was so obvious and she would move SO slow. One day I’m like, “It’s kind of weird when you come to class high because it is OBVIOUS.” I guess nobody really cared though. I started to keep my gravity bong in the trunk of my car in my backpack. We would go to Lesbian’s house or Lesbian’s new girlfriend’s house during lunch and smoke a bowl. Sometimes we’d bring the pitcher into Stinker and fill it with water so we could smoke on the side of a road in one of the neighborhoods. Oh boy, we sure liked her. She was 14 and told us that she loved cocaine and acid. She was the first girl I asked on a date but then when we got there I lost my nerve. I had to ask her like 4 times how old she was because I kept not remembering or understanding that she was a 14 year old sophomore. Then we’d get the munchies and eat cup o’ noodle or like, rice krispy treats. We never had to go to last two periods sober! We were just fucking high. We would smoke about every weekend and then it progressed to most lunch periods, then to every lunch period. Just the way I liked it. Oh, and after school too. My parents would ask when I’m coming home, I’d always tell them I went out to shoot some hoops. I used to play a lot of basketball in my childhood.

We’d walk in the high school and be like “WHO SMELLS LIKE WEED??” “OHMYGOD IT’S US!!” We go to a party once and the cops bust it. We had just showed up about 5 minutes before the cops arrived. We had not done anything but were talking on loading up the pipe when the club goes on lock-down. There are 300 people in the home! We do not open the doors. We do not look out the blinds. All the curtains are closed. We act like it’s a fucking earthquake and duck to the ground. A bird just took a shit on my head, because I parked on the opposite side of road and got me my first ticket when the coast is clear to leave. When we get in the car, my car is like “Hello. This is Onstar.” I’m like, “GREAT. THEY’VE TAPPED MY CAR AND ARE TRACKING ME NOW.” Our regular provider refuses to sell to us after that. We’re like… “We will take our business elsewhere then.”

Once we’re drinking back at my place. We pick up some Smirnoffs from a provider downtown. Me and Lesbian start downing shots. We see how many we can take in a row. We take 10-11… IN A ROW. This is about 20 minutes after cracking the bottle. Next thing I know, I come into consciousness in my shower and I have clothes on.. in the shower. I walk in my room and she is on my bed passed out. And our sober friend is nowhere to be found. I say, “EW, WHY DID YOU PUKE ON MY BED?” She says, “I didn’t puke dude.” I say, “YEAH YOU DID. THAT IS YOUR PUKE.” She says, “No you were laying on that side of the bed and you puked.” I’m like “There’s water all over the floor and coming out of the light fixture downstairs.” No wonder I reeked of vomit. She’s like “GOOD JOB YOU FLOODED THE HOUSE.” I try to ask her to fill in the blanks for me the next day at lunch in the drive thru but she isn’t good at filling them in. Me and her try ecstasy together after a gay pride event in Garden City. It is 45$ but we get 3 for $40 cause that’s all I got. We have to drive to Kuna after the event to pick up. She tells me she loves it. She is 11th grade and I am 12th but is taking summer classes to graduate a year early. She is grinding her teeth and talking nonstop. I am on the toilet and seems like I can’t stop urinating. I am on my bed trying to come down during the peak and I feel like I will never sober up. I couldn’t fall asleep until 1 pm the next day and we popped it at 11:30pm. She tells me at lunch that she told everybody she took ecstasy. All her 11th and 10th grade friends. I didn’t enjoy her talking about it but still felt a little happy buzz from trying it. Her ex-girlfriend was PISSED. So, that’s always fun to laugh on. I almost flood the house another time, but this time I was closer to drowning. I got too drunk at her house and puked again. The last thing I remember is everyone walking to sleep the upstairs. I am alone in the basement with a mattress. I last remember puking, then my drunk incompetent self thinks, better take a shower to clean up. Next thing I know, I am arisen to pounding on the bathroom door my friend is yelling at me across the locked door, “Angela!!!Angela!! You are choking on water!! You are going to drown.” This was probably one month after the first time. I guess I walked upstairs and decided to take a bath. At least I didn’t flood her house.

I then see less of my other buddies and more of another woman. I meet her due to lesbian’s new girlfriend. I take it as a bad omen that on the night she became interested in me romantically, was the worst night in all of our lives. We go to a birthday party and are taking “bong rips” in the backyard. A girl from our school looks like shes itching for a fixin cause she staring us down through the window, giving us the major stink eye. I’m like, “Does anyone else see Mak just twitching in the window?” We only stay a bit but when we get back to the friend’s house, we go to get settled. I take the floor and let this new girl have the couch. I am getting settled for bed. I put on my jammies and start folding my day clothes and unfolding my blankie and pillow. I look over and she is staring at me smiling like a fool. I don’t know what she is staring at, actually find it rather odd. Oh well. The very next day we wake up all happy and refreshed and ready for another fix. It is the weekend, after all. My friend had just turned 18 so we drive to the smoke shop and buy a $10 tub of Pope and a personal bong that we name “Dory.” She is browsing her web and she is stopped in her track by a text that her cousin was in a serious wreck that very night. I ponder on what very moment this happened. Maybe it was the moment she smiled at me. She is in intensive care at the ER hooked to a life machine. I didn’t even know they were related. I sympathize but there is little else I can do. We just met her and aren’t familiar with her much. But we do try to be patient with her. This new girl invites us to her house, they have a shed we can smoke in out back and are renting the place from a landlord. She stays home from school feeling ill one day and a few nights later we pick her up from the hospital visiting her cousin. The outlook does not seem positive. She is still in coma. They are asked if they will pull the plug because her brain is so damaged they do not believe she can ever be saved… Her cousin was in my graduating class and we were set to graduate in 2 months.

That night, instead of attending his birthday party with the cake strippers and dancing kids, she was in the car with a girl and two boys driving down the freeway after drinking at a party. The driver was speeding and ran into the freeway barrier. I guess he was on the freeway going west. I guess he decided to exit the freeway at Curtis but didn’t slow down enough and was zooming back onto the freeway on the on-ramp when he crashed. I just know I never drive like that, no matter if im a lil tipsy or not. She was passenger. He got an innumerous sentence some months later. She said one thing she knew was that her cousin would do ecstasy A LOT and she wondered whether they were rolling on “E” when it happened. She would always say well hopefully it was instant and she had no pain. The driver was sentenced to vehicular manslaughter. His name was Scotty. We continued on our routine. That night the lesbian’s new girlfriend provides us with a liquor hookup and we get some strong whiskey. We park on the side of her street by a fence and decide to take shots. The new girl did not feel like drinking, but she would toke. The rest of us got nice and toasty with our warm whiskey and a little drunk. Then a black man from across the street walks out of his house and starts toward us. We start flipping out and although I am a little intoxicated, I turn on the car and put my foot on the gas for the first time. We must avoid this confrontation at all costs. My feet feel heavy and I go really, really slow bout 7 mph. Operating the vehicle is a lot of work. I round the corner and park on the other side. We chill it for a minute to give him time to go back inside and get settled.

At this point, I couldn’t care less whether I graduated high school or had to retake last semester. Everyone else was planning for college and I wasn’t feeling that. I was truant all the time. I would get up and walk out of the building whenever. I didn’t do my own senior project and paid someone else to write it for me, skipped presentation day, but went to make-up day and just skimmed by graduating. Once I bought Adderall off Monotone Melissa and read the entire history book preparing for the final. I still got a high C, but would have gotten a LOW F, had I not. My GPA fell that semester after meeting her probably from a 3.9 to a 3.6 and my High Honors dropped to an Honors. I began to realize that these things really don’t matter much. We attended graduation together. She wanted to go to hear her cousin’s name be called. Since her cousin wouldn’t be walking, I did not walk, but sat in the back with her. I told her when I could I would get my truck driving license, save up and build us a cabin in the woods. I feel like I have things figured out. A plan set in place. Every day was so bright. I felt utterly important. I felt this was serious. I guess I really didn’t have it figured out.

They send me into the mental hospital. I hadn’t seen them in that year and that is how they welcome me home. They put me on Zoloft and tell me “You will be back.” I stay dead silent my entire time there. I do not speak to a single soul. I get out in 15 days and get my first real job. I am working my first real job real professional like. They pull me aside one day and tell me 20$ is missing from my till and that because I was two hours late I have to have a week off. I agree although they never change the tills and there was no way I lost 20$. I then miss another day and am fired out of the blue. So much for a “job.” I quit smoking marijuana when I worked, but once I was fired I had nothing else to do. I resumed using. I spent 2 years looking for a job and had around 30 interviews and no…… job. I got another job and it wasn’t the same. The supervisor was breathing down my neck. I had to walk out. The old boss calls the cops on me when I come to the store one day. I still don’t know why. Then another employee called the cops on me claiming I was stalking her. She made me look like I was insane to the cops.

I began to start seeing my ex-girlfriends friends from high school. I began to commemorate with them due to her being back in town and asking for rides every which way.. to see *insert name* to see *insert name* or the boy she is rooming with locked her out, etc. We stay a few nights in her friends’ apartment. Her roommate moved out who was the main tenant and she was left with the place for a short time longer. I’m liking these kids because they are just a hoot. Spontaneous and all. They also enjoy drugs like myself. They are speaking on a plan they have in place to leave Boise when the lease runs out on city bus and be bums/couch surfers around Portland. I drive them to the bus stop but they come back soon. One of the kids is addicted to Ativan and whines all day about how he needs to pick some up, or that he is in so much pain if he can’t have any. I wish to go with them and I hope to and take the car to accomplice them but that is a dream of mine that I never am granted permission. My mom won’t allow it and I definitely cannot take her sedan. I began driving them to donate plasma and I sign up myself, turns out to be an excellent source of small increments of money – just enough for a quick fix of drugs. I have encountered some boo-boos from the biomat. Bruises on my arms, missed placements of the needles. We’d usually make a date to go give plasma, find a hook-up for some marijuana, pick up lunch and light up. Later on, they stop allowing me to donate plasma, god knows why, but they are telling me I am being “erratic.”

I have an apartment at this time. it had always been a wish of mine to have my own place and my mom was kind enough at the time to purchase me a room. It was in Downtown Eagle, right next to where they give horse rides on the carriages. I worked a lot at that time applying for jobs and hoping to be employed so I could continue living in an apartment, but I had no such luck. I had interviews at Teleperformance, Chili’s, Subway, Moxie Java, drove newspaper for a short time, basically went through Craiglist every day for months and months and sent in applications at any place that was hiring. No luck at all. Mark and Zelle. Mostly they need me for rides. The Ativan addict Mark attempts to break his own wrist with a baseball bat so he can get a prescription for Oxys, I drive them because I have nothing better to do. One night they start stealing all of this junk from peoples’ cars to sell for drug money. I think they get four longboards, two skateboards, a graphing calculator, 2 marijuana pipes, a FM transmitter, an iPod, a laptop, five bottles of whiskey from a car with cases of liquor just chilling in the back seat, 2 credit cards, some dishes, a large Indian window curtain, and a old woman’s hospital diaper. They also liked to steal money out of donation boxes. One time he grabbed like 25 bucks from Ronald McDonald Children Donation Box with a stick and some duct tape that he had also stolen from a construction site trailer. He also put his hand in a Dutch Brothers tip jar while I was distracting the barista talking about This Month’s Special. I said, “Well, then if that’s this months, then what is Next Month’s Special?” She went to go check. Once at Hype Park Street Fair, an old guy gives Mark a beer and we are underage (19/20) He gives me the beer and says I can have it if he can drive. I get surprisingly drunk off this one beer. I hadn’t drank much since my girlfriend left (No providers.) When they find the whiskey, I drink so much while a sober driver is driving us through the hills. I hadn’t drank in a long time. I also moon the neighborhood when we are turning around. I almost fell out the window. Every time I hear that song, “All About That Bass,” I think of that moment. We take some acid tablets and pop some mollys and go see a dubstep concert, Flux Pavillion. My favorite shit ever. I was so damn high, I started writing some sick poetry when I got home.

The cops later come into contact with them about a theft they have committed, and they shift the blame on me where I am taken to court on Petit Theft. Nobody really knows if we stole from them or not, it was Sonic (flipping crazy) and the cashier saying it was me with them, driving, whilst in the police report it was listed as a car other than mine. I was not the only person they chilled with. They said it was me and two other dudes when they were given my picture from the biomat as “evidence.” I do not recall this event at all and I had to give up $75 to this case. I’d never even had two males in my car at once. They decide one day to steal from Melissa’s parents and I had to drive them to do this. I don’t agree with it but I do not try to stop them. I read through some girls’ messages who I was hanging around and they are talking on killing me on Facebook Messenger! *Insert little gun emoji.*

After losing my religion, I smoke a hit of meth because it was traumatizing. I decide for myself, I need to really just be alone and I hope to be alone forever. I bring up suicide for a second on the phone with my mother and ten seconds later there are cops forcing me out of my car and I am asking if I can please leave, I really can’t go in mental hospital again! I tell them I was only about to go home, and I was just selling a previous generation iPhone to a woman who contacted me from a Craigslist posting, because I had picked up the iPhone 6. They won’t let me go. I ask them where they are taking me once 6-7 obese men in uniforms drag me into the cop-car. They tell me we are going to the Emergency Room. Oh goody! I make sure to let them know Hell is real and they will be attending for what they have done to me. I begin to despise The Police. The Police and about most everyone. I have my first nightmare during my second stay at this hospital. It is a blood hound and it is going for my throat. I lost about 50 pounds when I was with my girlfriend and kept it off for 2 ½ years. I then go to step on the scale and realize in ingesting the Seroquel dose, the pounds packed back on in 3-4 months (monthly injections.) I can’t believe my eyes. All I knew is that it made me feel like crap. I stop the dose, thinking this must be trash medication. I go to research online and see that it is a medication blacklisted by the military. Meaning they do not use it because it causes more harm than help. I really was the happiest person in the world before they dosed me. It changed me completely. It depresses me knowing I will never be that person again. They start packing on the labels. Depressed, anxious, psychotic, schizoaffective, bipolar, mood disorder, autistic, that I am scary when I am either avoiding them or just being quiet. I think they have used every possible term in their book. I can honestly say I have not felt the same since before that dose. I used to feel good. Now most days I feel terrible like there is no cure from the damage the dose caused. I lost the weight 2.5 years later after walking 1,000 miles and working my ass off. But it is not just that, I am in pain all of the time.

Around the same time, Monotone Mellissa’s parents have chosen the mental hospital route. Her ex-boyfriend had just shot himself (suicide) while his parents were away. They start her on a fresh dose of antipsychotics (Seroquel TM) the same junk they set me up on. They let me think they will get me on disability if I consent with the dose. I tell them I’d rather prefer to not be medicated as it is against my beliefs. They tell me “WELL, WE DO {believe in medication.}” and joke about putting me in a gag when I cry. They warn me of no side effects and let the drugs destroy me. I never got the disability I was promised. (I needed to find a way to get out of my living situations quick and easy and disability seemed like the best possible option. Although I was never previously disabled.) I think I received a bill once of $36,000 for being trapped in a room at a mental health unit for 28 days once.

My lease is up, and I have to move in with my mom. She loses her job and has to give up her rental and decides to move in with her brother. I do not wish to live with my mom and her brother, but I decide I will mostly just ignore them. Usually I would just wake up get in the car and go. I meet a chick on the internet to get some weed because I had since deleted all of my old weed dealers they were starting to trip me out. I preferred smoking alone at this point anyway. As long as I didn’t need to be at home, I didn’t care. I pick up this chick. We get a sack and I drop her off. She tells me she is doing temp work for Albertsons and I should smoke her out during her break. We need another bag, so we are looking through people. She calls her friend and I go drive to pick her up. She seems normal-ish. We pick up another chick to get a bag and she says that she was on the news because she had hit something with her car and then ran and they were trying to find her. We get a bag and I take them home.

On the night of my arrest, the cops tell me someone from the gas station called the cops on me. I blow a .17. I had not been to the gas station in around 3 hours when the cops picked me up. Two months later, I am arrested again. I blow a .081 and a .083. They tell me I have to pay $3,000.00 that I don’t have. I didn’t even have money to survive then. They tell me they are going to take my license for a year. My car was the only place I could call home. I come back to my mom’s house from jail and decide I can’t survive without my license in these conditions. I overdose October 23, 2016 on 90 magnesiums and when that does nothing. I take 30 Hydroxyzine pills and 20 Risperdal which I was prescribed when forced into mental hospital but would never take.

Now, it has been two years since my first DUI on August 24, 2016. I have not drove. I have not smoked weed since December 31, 2016. I have walked around 1300 miles.. just in order to leave my parents house. When I started probation in February 2017, the orientation gal told me everyone could get off probation at half mark, “if they have completed everything necessary.” I ask around and see how long others are on probation. Most 6 months unsupervised. Me? One year. I see what is required of me immediately, Victim’s Panel, Alcohol/Drug Assessment, 2300$ court fines. I complete my assessment and Victim’s Panel. At court the attorney told me I had one year supervised and one year unsupervised. On my mandate, it says two years supervised. I ask my Probation Officer around the 6 month mark, if I can get off supervised probation. She then goes to tell me I am on supervised probation for 2 years! Oh goody! I then come back to her at the one year mark in February and she lets me know… “Oh, actually, whoever did your alcohol assessment said your drug problem was so severe that you had to spend ONE YEAR INPATIENT in the WALKER CENTER.” (I talked to him for thirty minutes basically told him I drank two beers and went home and I smoked weed occasionally.) I’m like “So, you’re telling me all this now? At my mid-probation mark?” I mean, I’m in awe that I have to stay a whole year according to her, but I’m like, my life is already wasted now, so go ahead and shove my body in there for a year. I mean, my body has been in worse places. I spend three hours one day, calling the Walker Center. They say their longest inpatient treatment is 30 days. With outpatient after. I call trying to get BPA, they deny me immediately and then my P.O. tells me “Recovery 4 Life” Pro-Bono for inpatient. She says I have to complete all this before I can get off probation. I pay off my fines as soon as possible so they will stop being assholes. I am told in court that I will have my license suspended for one year until November 16, 2017. I ask my PO around October how to get my license back since the suspension is about up. There she tells me I have monetary holds on my account that I have to pay before I can get it reinstated. I go home and ask google how much the holds usually are. It says 30-200$. Next time I am in probation I ask her how to pay the fines. She tells me my holds are 1150$. Great. I have no way to pay the fines and they don’t drop until July 2020. I call insurance because my mom starts talking at me that I can’t drive until March 2019 after some of my “rear-ends” have dropped because my insurance will be “ASTRONOMICAL” I did not even know what car insurance was. I thought it was like 50$ a month if it was anything at all. She tells me she was paying 300$/mo. on me. I didn’t know what for. I call to get an estimate and only one insurance company will insure me, Nationwide. 470$/mo. I start to work. There is nothing out here where we just moved. So anywhere I walk to, there is basically just farm land. I can’t make it to the city, but I have thought on doing a walk-hike to Seattle or Portland and not come back, that is if I cannot get my drivers license and car back. I have to complete probation first before I can leave Idaho for good, so this is why I am trying my best to finish up these classes as soon as possible. I have worked 54 hours a week every week for 7 months and every penny I have has gone to court fines and my license hold. I finished paying my court fines and my license hold, but now I either need to purchase a new car and my mom will not let me get one for anything less than 1500$. Meaning she has to come along on the job with me. I checked and I suppose I have taken about 15 of these classes and 15 of my DBT classes…..but Julie only told me I needed to do 10. Oh well.

I suppose I will end my story here. I wrote this mostly for myself. Like I say, I wrote this story the first or second week of class after hearing a woman tell her very sad story. It was alright on my read through so it appears to be good enough for me to turn in. I’ve had to delete some parts, but overall brings me back a lot of memories.. good and bad. Overall, I have come to the conclusion that my life is meaningless torture and nothing good will ever happen here on earth. The vision I had is lost and replaced with something terrible. Thanks for the class. I have my notes. I can use them if I need to refer to them in the future. Hopefully, I can make it out of Idaho.

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of-storms-and-saints-blog · 6 years

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No Time for Regrets

Shielded in Flame Part 01: Tainted Hero Chapter 3: No Time for Regrets

The wind shifted, rustling the trees and disturbing nearby leaves. One leaf landed on Brina's face. She blew it off and attempted to sit up. Pain shot through her side, and she cried out in surprise. Memories of the battle flooded her mind. Brina lay back down, pushing her sorrow deep into the pit of her stomach. She covered her face, not daring to look at the beauty of the day.

Some time passed before she could get up. The sunlight was breaking over the treeline. She brushed off the dried paste, taking care around her fresh burns, and shook it from her hair. Some of the green paste remained in its bowl. Brina gently brushed it onto the wounds, breathing relief at the refreshing touch. There were just enough bandages in her pack to cover the worst of the injuries.

Brina dressed and braided her hair back before turning her attention to her pack. She stopped in front of the altar. All that remained were a few charred logs and bones. They looked so alike it was challenging to figure out which was which. A small amount of heat still radiated from the remnants, slightly smoking.

She wrapped the massive horns in a cloth before tucking them deep into the pack with the bowls. Brina tossed the bag over her shoulder and took one final look around the clearing. Some of the grass was blackened and smoked like the altar did. Rocks covered the entire clearing. A pile of ice remained. The demon had disappeared, back to the Fade. A light caught her eye, blue light in the grass near one of the sear marks. Brina knelt. The lyrium? I- I did it without the lyrium! Realization of her accomplishment struck her in awe. Has that ever happened before? “I need to show Augur!” The vial still had the cord attached, so she slipped it over her head and tucked it into her tunic.

Brina ran as fast as she could down the rocky mountainside. The wind shifted again, bringing a foul smell in its wake that took Brina aback. She stopped and gagged before covering her nose and mouth with her arm.

As she drew closer to the hold, thick black smoke filled the air. What's going on? Her heart pounded, bursting from her chest. Brina tore a shred of cloth from her tunic and tied it around her face over her mouth and nose. She secured the bag on her back and readied her bow with several more arrows in her hand.

At the head of the trail, Hulda's hut blazed furiously. A body was sitting upright on her knees with her arms covering her head. It was utterly charred and barely recognizable. Brina's breath caught in her throat once she realized it was Hulda. In horror, she looked in the other nearby huts, also in flames. A few more charred bodies lay around in various positions of fear or attempts at fleeing.

A screech in the distance startled Brina. Fear ran its icy fingers down her back. She hid just in time. A beast rushed past with great speed only to stop nearby where she hid. It appeared somewhat canine with a short muzzle, pointed ears, and long forearms. Its skin was mottled grey and black. The armor it wore was pieced together from several different sets and covered in what looked like black pitch. The gauntlets on its forearms had long sharp blades that pointed upward, and it held two daggers in each hand. It smelled of death and rotting earth.

Nightganger . . . The creature looked around, sniffing the air. It can smell me. Horror gripped at Brina. She covered her mouth and held her breath, hoping it couldn't hear her. The creature cocked its head toward the burning village, then dashed toward a group of figures far to the other side of the hold.

Brina stayed frozen for several hours, afraid to even cry. The fires were dying by the time she dared peak out of hiding. She trod carefully, afraid the creatures were still around. Every hut had burned, leaving empty black husks. All the plants had withered in death or thoroughly incinerated. Elderly, children, some of the women were charcoal around in their homes. All around her was the acrid smell of burning flesh coupled with the coppery scent of burnt blood. The unmistakable smell of sulfur clung to her nostrils. She found the warriors and hunters gathered near the center of the village, weapons in hand.

Brina found a trail of black blood and followed it. The path led to her hut, which had also burned. Leaning against the rock wall at the side of the shelter was her father. His veins were black, and his eyes and skin had gone white. A massive cut across his torso oozed black blood.

“Da!” She ran toward him, thinking he was dead.

He blinked, struggling to breathe. “C-Cub? Is that you?”

“It's me, Da.” She cupped her hands around his face. His skin was icy to the touch.

“I- I don't . . . have much longer . . . There's . . . a sickness . . . in me.”

“Shh. Don't speak.”

With great effort, he raised his hand to touch her cheek. “I'll . . . I'll give . . . Aela . . . your love.”

His hand began to drop, and she held it tight to her face. Her eyes filled with tears and she couldn't keep them back. Grief immobilized her.

By the time she could compose herself, it was nearing nightfall. Brina shut her father's eyes and tore herself away. She made her way back to the center of the village, attempting to contain fresh waves of grief and trying to figure out what to do.

Where do I go? I could go to another hold. Would they take me in? I'm not sure where the nearest one is. They could be deep in the mountains.

Brina walked toward the Augur's hut, knowing it was futile. She was surprised to find his home untouched by flames. Several dozen of the creatures lay dead along the path, making it nearly impossible to pick her way through. At the top, the door stood wide open, and it was dark inside.

She took the torch from the door frame and lit it. “Augur?”

A voice rasped from the darkness. “Br- Brina? Is that . . . is that you?”

Brina found him on the other side of the dead hearth in a pool of his blood. A black dagger stuck out of his chest, and one of the creatures lay dead nearby. “No . . . no, not you too.”

“You . . . you succeeded . . . You are . . . separated . . . from your . . . spirit guide.”

Fresh tears welled in Brina's eyes. “Aye. It is done.”

“Good . . . Good. I knew . . . you could.”

“I- I want to help. How can I help you? Please, Augur. You're all I have left.”

“It is . . . Too late . . . for me. But . . . Not. . . Too late . . . for you. The . . . Grey Warden . . . He went to . . . The tunnel. Go . . . Go to him . . . Help him . . . and his Wardens.” The Augur gasped for breath and coughed up blood. “Take . . . this.” He pointed to the staff just beyond his reach.

Brina picked up the staff, staring in the glowing wolf eyes. “I . . . I can't leave you.”

Augur took her hand in his. “There . . . is nothing . . . for . . . you here. But . . . There is . . . One thing you . . . can do . . . for me.” He put her hand on his forehead.

She nodded. A tear dropped from her chin. Brina closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. A soft light glowed in her palm on his forehead. Her breath shook when she exhaled. When she opened her eyes, Augur had passed on. Brina clutched the front of his tunic to her face, sobbing.

She sensed a presence in the doorway. She turned quickly, lightning bolts circled her hands and forearms, ready to strike. Brina couldn't see who it was. “Gr- Grey Warden?” She turned her back to him. “I'm sorry. I had heard you were going to the tunnel.”

“Don't apologize, Brina. I am sorry for what happened here. What was it he asked for?”

“The Augur and his mate were apprentices together. She was supposed to become the Augur, but when the time came, Stone Bear Hold attacked. A hunting party had crossed onto Stone Bear's Territory. They had mistaken our hunters as a raiding party. The Thane at the time was known for being impulsive. Instead of finding out more, peacefully, he launched an attack. Augur's mate was killed.” Brina looked back at the Augur's frail body. “He always said her favorite place was near the lake. Back then, our hold was located near a huge one. There was a family of ptarmigans that lived in the brush near the shore. He said she always imaged the Lady was watching over them from the eyes of the ptarmigan.” Brina knelt by the Augur and picked up the feather that hung around his neck. “I gave him a memory. After my Ma died, he took me to the base of the mountain near an open field where the rams like to frequent. There was a family of ptarmigans he visited. He told me his story. The ptarmigan allowed him to come close and even let him hold the babies. It's how he remained close to her all those years.”

“I know you've lost much today. Your Augur and Thane observed your trial. As did I. Brina, will you join the Grey Wardens? We need you. We can't replace what you've lost, but we can help you start a new life with the possibility of a future beyond the darkspawn.”

“Those creatures . . .” She couldn't bring herself to use the word.

“Yes. Darkspawn.”

“They are responsible for this. Aye, I'll join you and your order. There's nothing left for me here.”

“Help me close the tunnel before we go.”

***

They picked their way through the dark at the base of the mountain. The dense forest around them pressed close, suffocating Brina. How the Grey Warden stood it, she couldn’t fathom. Brina could barely see the stars through the thick foliage. The forest belonged to Black-Wolf Hold and butted up to a valley to the east; the valley that would take them to the Korcari Wilds.

A fire raged in front of the tunnel where a single darkspawn sentry stood watch. It was quite tall, about as tall as Brina, with thick armor covered in pitch just like the darkspawn she had seen before. This one had a helmet on. There was a black shield nearby leaning against a tree and a black twisted sword tied to the darkspawn's hip.

“That is a Hurlock vanguard. It appears to be non-ranking, which is good for us. It'll be easy to take out.”

Brina couldn't see his face in the dark. “What are you not saying?”

“There's a small retinue not far from here. Closing the tunnel will likely gain their attention. Most of them are just like this vanguard, but I think they may have an emissary among them. They are heading this way. We won't be able to escape before they arrive. We'll have to fight our way through. This Hurlock can't detect us; we're not close enough. But it won't be long before the emissary is aware of our presence.”

“How can you know all that?”

“It's part of being a Grey Warden. I will explain later. Now, I'll distract the sentry. I need you to collapse the tunnel.”

Brina nodded. She and Duncan ran out. Duncan kicked the Hurlock square in the gut before it could draw its sword. Brina stood before the tunnel and braced herself. She held the staff parallel to the ground, both hands on the grip. She raised the staff over her head and arched her upper body around in a full circle before stamping the butt of the staff onto the ground. A large crack formed and traveled into the tunnel and spiraled around losing rocks and debris. The ground shook. Roars and screeches escaped the shaft as it collapsed.

Once the ground settled, Duncan came up next to her. He crossed his arms, but there was the faintest hint of a smile on his face, “I think you'll do just fine. The emissary is here. Get ready.”

Several Hurlocks, like the one Duncan killed, emerged from the trees. An even more massive creature followed behind. It was tall and floated above the ground. Its head was bald. The skin on the nightganger sagged and was pale grey with black mottled spots. Its ears reminded Brina of an elf, a detail that distracted Brina a moment too long.

“Brina, watch out!” Duncan shoved her to the side. A fireball larger than her head burned past her so close she felt the intense heat.

“The emissary?”

Duncan nodded.

The emissary opened its mouth, revealing two rows of sharp teeth, and let out a gravelly screech. It brought its hand up and connected its long fingers as if holding a ball. Lightning and energy formed inside and built up larger and larger.

“Brina, attack now!” Duncan rushed forward with his swords, spinning and lunging as hurlocks attacked.

Brina lifted her staff with both hands parallel to the ground and was about to conjure a protective barrier when a low growl to her left startled her. To her horror, another creature emerged. Is that a wolf? No, it can't be. . . “Duncan?”

Before she knew it, a blade stuck from the middle of its head. She spun back to face Duncan who was fighting the emissary with a single sword. Brina ran to the wolf creature and grabbed the sword. She had to place her foot on its head and pull hard. After a moment, the sword slid out.

Brina ran behind the emissary and breathed deep. She laid the staff down and with her newly freed hand she gathered up the energy in the clearing. Electricity tingled in her fingers, down her arm, and into her other arm, directly into the sword. Electrical currents pulsed through the sword and the blade became sheathed in lightning.

“Hey! Ass Face! Aye, you! Eat this!” Brina brought the sword up over her head and brought it downward. A long blade of light and lightning came out of the sword slicing and electrocuting the emissary. Duncan jumped back just in time to avoid the slash of the sword.

The emissary stood, staring at her before falling apart into two pieces. Black blood formed a large pool in the dirt and grass. Brina picked up her staff turned her attention back to the bear creature. “Duncan, what is this? It looks like a wolf, but something is . . . horribly wrong.” She handed Duncan his sword.

“A blight wolf.”

Brina couldn't help making a face. “That- That's perverse!” Now that they had a moment she was able to look at it really and could see it was, in fact, a wolf, but it was twisted almost beyond recognition. The fur was matted and patchy, covered in the same pitch-like substance that was on the darkspawns' armor.

“I'm sorry, Brina. I had forgotten your clan holds them sacred. I can't imagine what you must feel about these blight wolves. Unfortunately, there is no way to cleanse them.”

“I . . . I understand. The hunters, they said the bears were gone . . . and all the other animals.”

“Yes. Either tainted or fled.” Duncan sighed heavily. “Stay alive. Another small group approaches.”

Several more darkspawn emerged from around the clearing led by an Alpha Hurlock. Brina took a deep breath and pulled her arms tight into her body. She threw both arms out, casting balls of fire. Each ball of flames sought one of the darkspawn enemies, catching them on fire. Some went into a panic, running into trees and each other before falling onto the ground screaming.

The Alpha regained his composure and launched himself at her. She swung the staff around, using it as a control for various blasts before sending another barrage of fireballs. The Alpha managed to block several of the bursts but was unable to advance closer. She dropped the staff, exhausted. The Alpha drew his sword.

A crash through the trees gave her, Duncan, and the Alpha pause. Oh, Lady's Blessed Tits, I hope there aren't more.

Grønvik broke through the trees and tore into the Alpha. Duncan and Brina could only watch in helpless wonder. Grønvik crunched through the armor as the Alpha struggled. The Alpha finally stopped moving, and the wolf dropped it.

As Grønvik stepped away, he shook his head, growling.

“Grønvik? Are you all right?”

Grønvik howled and dropped to the ground. He tried to get up only to fall onto his side. Black blood dripped from his jaw.

“Grønvik? Grønvik? No! No, not Grønvik, too!”

“Brina . . .”

Brina ran to his side. “. . . Grønvik . . .”

“The Alpha's blood killed him . . . I'm sorry.”

“He- He saved me . . .”

“He was a magnificent beast.”

“He would have turned into a blight wolf. . . wouldn't he?”

“Yes . . . I know you are hurting, but it is better this way.”

She put her hand on Grønvik's head. “May you walk in the light and be unafraid of the darkness.” Brina stood and wiped her face with the back of her hand. “We shouldn't linger here.”

#dragonage #dragonageorigins #avvar #avvarorigin #fanfiction

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